Should Senior Citizens Opt For Influenza And Pneumonia Shots In Winter?

Come winter, and there’s a rise in flus and lung diseases. Young people, who have a healthy immunity system, are still able to recover from these. But for the elderly, especially those above 60, flus can at times prove to be fatal. Senior citizens find it difficult to fight seasonal diseases because of a weaker immune system. Here comes the importance of flu shots. Among them, influenza and pneumonia vaccines are often talked about. So, should senior citizens opt for these shots in the cold weather? If yes, what precautions should they take while taking these vaccines? Read this article to know the answer to this and more.

To get an expert view of this, we reached out to Dr Brunda MS, Sr Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Let’s take a look at what she has to say.

Why The Elderly Should Opt For Influenza And Pneumonia Vaccines In Winter

Let’s get to the point right away. Are these vaccines important for seniors in winter? “Yes, influenza and pneumonia vaccines are very important for senior citizens because their immune system becomes weaker with age, making it harder for their body to fight infections, and these vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications,” says Dr Brunda MS.

She adds that the influenza vaccine protects them from seasonal flu, which can become dangerous in older adults, while the pneumonia vaccine helps prevent lung infections that can lead to breathing problems, long recovery times, or life-threatening conditions. “Taking these vaccines also helps protect seniors who have diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems, and getting vaccinated every year for flu and as advised by a doctor for pneumonia keeps them safer and healthier, especially during winter and changing weather,” explains the expert.

Is Winter The Best Time For Senior Citizens To Take These Vaccines?

Now if you are wondering what is the best time for the elderly to take these vaccines, our expert answers this for you. “Winter is not the only time for senior citizens to take influenza and pneumonia vaccines, but it is a good time because flu and lung infections usually increase during cold months, and taking the vaccines before or during winter gives extra protection when the risk is higher,” mentions Dr Brunda MS.

She adds that doctors generally advise getting the influenza vaccine once every year, ideally before the flu season starts, while the pneumonia vaccine can be taken at any time of the year based on a doctor’s advice. “What matters most is that seniors get vaccinated on time, especially if they have diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or weak immunity, because timely vaccination helps prevent serious illness and keeps them safer throughout the year,” advises the expert.

Also Read: Expert Talk: The Need for Assisted Living for Dementia Care for Senior Citizens in India

Can The Elderly Take Pneumonia And Flu Vaccines Together?

If you are wondering whether an elderly person can take these shots together or not, let us hear it out from our expert. “Yes, pneumonia and flu vaccines can usually be given to the elderly at the same time because both vaccines work in different ways and do not interfere with each other,” answers Dr Brunda MS.

She adds, “Taking them together is safe for most seniors, which also helps reduce extra clinic visits. Doctors often recommend this for older adults who have weak immunity or long-term health conditions. Getting both vaccines provides stronger protection during flu season and reduces the risk of serious lung infections. However, a doctor may sometimes suggest giving them on different days if the person has fever, allergy history, or other medical issues. So, it is always best for seniors to take the vaccines only after proper medical advice.”

How Often Should The Elderly Get Pneumonia And Flu Shots?

Once a year, biannually or thrice a year – how often should senior citizens take the shots? “Elderly people should get the flu shot once every year because the flu virus changes regularly. Taking it yearly keeps their protection strong, while the pneumonia vaccine does not need to be taken every year and is usually given once or as advised by a doctor based on age, health condition, and previous vaccination history,” explains Dr Brunda MS.

She adds, “Seniors with diabetes, heart disease, lung problems, or weak immunity may receive specific guidance on timing. It is important that older adults follow their doctor’s advice because each person’s health needs are different, and getting these vaccines on time helps reduce the risk of serious infections, hospitalisation, and complications, especially during winter or when infections are spreading more.”

Side Effects And Benefits Of Flu And Pneumonia Shots For Senior Citizens

Flu and pneumonia vaccines have many benefits for senior citizens, says the experts, such as:

• They lower the risk of severe infections.
• They reduce hospital visits.
• They protect people with diabetes or heart and lung problems.
• They help prevent complications like breathing trouble or long recovery times.

“The benefits are much greater than the risks. The common side effects are usually mild such as slight pain or swelling at the injection site, low fever, mild headache, or tiredness, and these effects go away in a short time. Serious side effects are very rare, and doctors consider these vaccines safe for most older adults. Getting vaccinated helps seniors stay healthier, stronger, and better protected during flu season and throughout the year,” mentions Dr Brunda MS.

Preventive Tips After Taking Vaccines

Speaking about some dos and don’t to follow after flu and pneumonia vaccines, the expert lists down the following:

• After taking vaccines, seniors should continue to follow simple preventive measures like washing hands often, keeping distance from people who have cough, cold, or fever, and wearing a mask in crowded places.
• They should stay warm during winter, eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep to keep their immunity strong.
• They can maintain regular exercise like walking to improve lung health, and avoid smoking because it weakens the lungs.
• They should monitor their health for a few days and report any unusual symptoms to a doctor.
• It is also helpful to take regular health check-ups, keep chronic conditions like diabetes or blood pressure under control, and follow all medical advice for better protection.

Also Read: Are Senior Citizens More At Risk Of Head And Neck Cancer?

The Final Word

Influenza and pneumonia vaccines are very important for senior citizens because their immune system becomes weaker with age. Winter is a good time because flu and lung infections usually increase during cold months.