Residents urged not to wait for high-dose flu shot

If you’re waiting for a high-dose influenza shot, don’t. Any flu shot is better than none.

The New Mexico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting a flu shot and underscore it as important this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The importance of broad public immunization is particularly key for high-risk groups such as seniors citizens.

Although some studies have shown the high-dose flu shot, approved for people age 65 and older, to be more effective at preventing flu and reducing hospitalizations, the CDC has not expressed a preference for the high-dose shot over the regular adult vaccine in this age group.

The DOH urges providers to recommend the adult flu shot for seniors rather than waiting for a high-dose shot.

“Some seniors have avoided getting a flu shot this year because they are unable to find the high-dose shot,” acting Health Secretary Billy Jimenez said. “We strongly recommend seniors get vaccinated. The regular adult flu shot is far more effective than getting no flu shot when it comes to protecting yourself and those around you.”

In addition, the CDC does not recommend getting a booster, or a second dose, in a single flu season.

Go to http://www.togethernm.org or http://www.vaccinefinder.org for a list of flu shot locations.