A statewide coalition of nearly 40 health care and consumer groups is urging Iowans, especially older Iowans, to get a couple of vaccinations. People who are 65 and older are considered a “high risk” for serious health troubles from the flu. The Iowa Foundation for Medical Care recommends they get a flu shot as soon as possible. Flu season started October first and peaks December through March, though it can take a few weeks for the shot to take full effect. While much of the general population can wait until November to get the vaccine, senior citizens should get them now.
Mike Speight, the Foundation’s Senior Director of Operations, also urges seniors to get a pneumonia shot, which is a “once-in-a-lifetime” shot after the age of 65. Speight says recent surveys find Iowa’s senior citizens often skip the vaccines, which could help them maintain their health.
Only about 60-percent of Iowa seniors get flu shots while fewer than half got the pneumonia shots. While cost is often a concern, Speight says the shots are usually fully covered by Medicare and are offered for free by many hospitals and clinics statewide as a public service. This is Adult Immunization Awareness Week in Iowa.