THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 PROBLEM | FROM Page 16 Flu Vaccines That Are Recommended for Older Adults Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to learn more about the stronger fl u shots I see advertised for older adults. What can you tell me about them and how are they covered by Medicare? Senior Novice Dear Novice, There are actually three diff erent types of senior-specifi c fl u shots (you only need one) that the CDC is now recommending to people age 65 and older. These FDA-approved annual vaccines are designed to offer extra protection beyond what a standard fl u shot provides, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a greater risk of developing dangerous fl u complications. Here’s more information on these three vaccines. Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent: Approved for U.S. use in 2009, the Fluzone High-Dose is a high-potency vaccine that contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular fl u shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this vaccine was proven 24 percent more effective than the regular dose shot at preventing fl u in seniors. Fluad Quadrivalent: First available in the U.S. in 2016, this adjuvanted vaccine contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. In a 2013 observational study, Fluad was found 51 percent more eff ective in preventing fl u-related hospitalizations for older patients than a standard fl u shot. You also need to be aware that both the Fluzone HighDose and Fluad vaccines can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose fl u shot, like pain or tenderness where you got the shot, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. And neither vaccine is recommended for seniors who are allergic to chicken eggs, or those who have had a severe reaction to a fl u vaccine in the past. Also note that the CDC does not recommend one vaccination over the other. FluBlok Quadrivalent: For older adults that are allergic to eggs, FluBlok, which is a recombinant vaccine that does not use chicken eggs in their manufacturing process is your best option. This vaccine is proven to be 30 percent more eff ective than a standard-dose infl uenza vaccine in preventing fl u in people age 50 and older. All of these vaccines are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Pneumonia Vaccines Another important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1.5 million Americans visit medical emergency departments each year because of pneumonia, and about 50,000 people die from it. The CDC recently updated their recommendations for the pneumococcal vaccine and now recommend that everyone 65 and older who has not previously received any pneumococcal vaccine should get either PCV20 (Prevnar 20) or PCV15 (Vaxneuvance). If PCV15 is used, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 (Pneumovax23) at least one year later. Or, if you’ve previously received a PPSV23 shot, you should get one dose of PCV15 or PCV20 at least one year later. Medicare Part B also covers two different pneumococcal shots – the fi rst shot at any time and a diff erent, second shot if it’s given at least one year after the fi rst shot. COVID Booster If you haven’t already done so, you should also get a COVID-19 booster shot this fall. Both Moderna and Pfi zer have developed new bivalent booster vaccines that adds an Omicron BA 4/5 component to the old formula, which provides better protection. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. ing expensive computer security software, typically costing victims between $200 and $900. Unfortunately, it does nothing to fi x your computer or internet issues. In some cases, the scammers will also want remote access to your computer. Allowing them remote access enables them to install malware that records passwords, keystrokes or other fi les that contain personal information. How to protect yourself from tech support scams: • Never open attachments or links in emails from unknown senders. These can generate fake warning pop-ups that prompt you to make a call to scammers. If you get a suspicious pop-up alert, don’t click on anything and restart your computer, tablet or phone. • Never give strangers remote access to your computer. You should only allow remote access to technicians of trustworthy companies you contacted through a legitimate customer service number or chat. • Avoid clicking on pop-up boxes or ads stating that something is wrong. If a pop-up won’t go away, disconnect from the internet and Wi-Fi by shutting off the device immediately and restarting it. For more information: Many tech support scams use similar techniques. See BBB’s article on tech support scams. If you’ve been the victim of a tech support scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. By reporting your experience, you can help others avoid falling for the same scam. Do you want more information about how to avoid getting scammed? Check out the Spot a Scam page and sign up to receive weekly scam alerts. Page 17 - LEGAL NOTICE - D To all interested persons: A Petition for of requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: of be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve on the bond in administration. of
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