The first full week of December is dedicated to getting your flu shot. It’s a simple procedure that most people skip out on from year to year. They feel it’s unnecessary or their fear of needles is enough to keep them from getting one. However, statistics prove time and time again, that there are plenty of benefits when it comes to receiving your flu shot. It’s especially important to receive one if you are 65 and older.

As we age, our immune system slows down. It’s not as strong as it used to be and as a result, our ability to fight off diseases isn’t as great as we’d like it to be. This is notable in certain statistics when it comes to flu related deaths. According to the CDC, between 80% and 90% of all flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years or older in recent years. That’s a very high percentage, and it’s easy to prevent it if we just spread more awareness about getting flu shots.

They work by supplying your immune system with the right kind of ammo, also known as antibodies to the medical community. In order to fight the various strains of influenza researchers have to predict which strains will be more worrisome for that year. This is why it’s important to get one EVERY year. The flu is much like the common cold. There are so many various strains floating around that it’s impossible to find a cure all to every single one of them.

However, if you do get your flu shot this season (which we hope you do!) you will have an option as to which vaccine you’d like to receive. Your traditional vaccine will help protect you against the strain that research believes to be the most common for that season. But you can also elect to receive a trivalent vaccine. This includes weakened forms of three strains of influenza. You can also select a quadrivalent, which protects you against four strains of the flu. The choice is up to you, but for older adults who are 65 and older, the high-dose trivalent shot is usually recommended.

If you or a loved one would like to get a flu shot, Rite Aid is doing a promotional discount for the week of National Influenza Vaccination Week. They’re offering discounts for anyone coming in on December 6th all the way through the 12th. Again, every stat, every shred of research, and every doctor recommendation points to getting a flu shot. If you’d like to read more about their benefits, you may do so by clicking the link here. It takes you directly to the CDC’s website and provides you with the statistics.

We can’t force you to get one, but we can suggest that you get one! It’s also important to spread awareness during the designated week and after. The flu is a serious illness that can hospitalize you for some time or worse. Prevent all of that by getting your influenza vaccine.