Do I Need the Higher Dose Version of the Flu Shot?

December 1, 2022

Make yourself a priority during this cold and flu season this year! Staying healthy requires more than just taking care of your body and eating well. It also includes getting your annual flu shot as soon as possible.

Were you aware that if you are 65 or older, you have choices when it comes to which shot you can get? Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team explains the benefits of choosing a higher dose vaccine this year below.

What Is in the High-Dose Flu Vaccine?

The standard flu shot is developed every year to best defend against the year’s most common strains of influenza. The high-dose version has bits of four different strains in it, protecting you from four different kinds of the flu at one time!

This can be extremely beneficial for older adults, as the flu can be really dangerous as you age. Your immune system may be weakened, so any type of infection could become severe more easily. If you get the high-dose shot, your body creates four times the amount of antibodies against the different versions of the flu. It can be a much more comprehensive level of protection for you!

Side Effects Possible From the Flu Shot

Muscle aches
Minor discomfort at the injection site
Headache
General tiredness

Can’t the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?

We can’t say no enough to this question! Both the standard flu shot and the high dose version only contain deactivated parts of the flu virus, so it is just not a possibility for it to make you sick.

If you feel run down or experience a few of the minor symptoms above after your shot, your body is just busy creating the antibodies that you need to ward off serious illness later. It just means that your body is working to protect you! Consider getting the high-dose flu vaccine this year and stay healthy all season long.