When the temperature drops and the leaves start to change, it can only mean one thing. Flu season is right around the corner. While no one is ever excited for flu season, it can be especially tough on adults 65 and older. The good news? There’s a special flu vaccine just for seniors, designed to give your immune system the extra boost it needs.
This flu season, learn what a senior flu shot is, how it compares to the regular version, the side effects you might notice and why it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is a senior flu shot?
A senior flu shot is a flu vaccine made especially for adults age 65 and older. While the regular flu shot works well for most people, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the higher dose flu shot for seniors because it’s been shown to be more effective in protecting them from flu-related complications.
Why Getting a Flu Shot Matters for Seniors
Influenza can be especially dangerous for elderly adults. Our immune systems naturally slow down with age, which makes it tougher to bounce back from illnesses like influenza. That puts adults 65 and older at higher risk for serious flu complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization and even death. Older adults account for 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations and 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths, according to the CDC. That’s where high-dose flu shots come in.
High-Dose Flu Shot vs. Regular Flu Shot
The high-dose flu shot is considered the best flu shot for seniors. Compared to the standard flu vaccine, the high-dose version is much stronger and contains four times the amount of antigens, the part of the vaccine that triggers your immune system to respond. This helps older adults build a more robust defense against influenza.
“These enhanced vaccines give older adults the extra push their immune system needs,” said Brian Curtis, MD, vice president, chief medical officer, OSF Medical Group. “While regular flu shots still do offer protection, the high-dose flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization in seniors.”
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved high-dose flu vaccines for adults age 65 and older, so younger adults should stick with the standard flu shot options.
How effective is the flu shot for seniors?
While no vaccine can prevent every case of the flu, research shows that high-dose flu vaccines provide stronger protection for seniors, especially when it comes to preventing serious illness, hospitalization and complications.
According to the CDC, older adults who get a high-dose flu shot are significantly less likely to experience severe flu than those who receive a standard-dose vaccine.
“Even the high-dose flu vaccine can’t prevent the flu entirely,” said Dr. Curtis, “but it can help your body fight it faster, make your symptoms milder and keep you out of the hospital. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and keep living your life safely.”
Side Effects of the Senior Flu Shot
Most side effects of the flu shot for seniors are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue or mild aches
If you get the high-dose flu shot, these side effects may be slightly stronger, but they shouldn’t last long and are minimal compared to the protection the vaccine provides.
“A little soreness or fatigue is normal,” said Dr. Curtis. “It means your immune system is doing its job. The serious complications for older people from the flu itself are far more dangerous.”
Who should not get the senior flu shot?
Most adults 65 and older can safely get the high-dose flu shot, but there are a few exceptions:
Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the flu vaccine other than eggs or a serious reaction to a previous flu shot should avoid the high-dose flu shot.
When to Get the Senior Flu Shot
Need to schedule your flu shot?
The flu season typically runs from October through March. It’s best to get the vaccine early in the season, ideally in September or October, so you’re ready to face the thick of flu season with a strong immune system.
Does Medicare cover the high-dose flu shot?
Medicare Part B covers all flu shots, including the high-dose vaccine, at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible adults.
For more details on coverage, check the Medicare flu shot guide.
Your Best Shot This Flu Season
Making the decision to get a senior flu shot means taking an active step toward staying healthy and protecting your loved ones throughout flu season.
Last Updated: October 14, 2025