Savvy Senior Flu Vaccines for Seniors That Provide Better Protection Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the flu shots designed for older adults? I got sick last winter after getting a standard flu shot and would like to find out if the senior-specific flu vaccine is worth getting. Approaching 80 Dear Approaching, There are actually two different types of flu shots available to people age 65 and older. These FDA-approved vaccines are designed to offer extra protection beyond what a standard flu shot provides, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a great risk of developing dangerous flu complications. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that during the 2018-2019 flu season, up to 647,000 people were hospitalized and 61,200 died because of the flu – most of whom were seniors. You also need to be aware that these senior-specific flu shots cannot guarantee that you won’t get the flu this season, but they will lower your risk. And if you do happen to get sick, you probably won’t get as sick as you would without it. Here’s more information on the two vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose: 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 flu shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. This vaccine, according to a 2013 clinical trial, was 24 percent more effective than the regular-dose shot at preventing flu in seniors. FLUAD: Available in the U.S. since 2016, the FLUAD vaccine contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. In a 2012 Canadian observational study, FLUAD was 63 percent more effective than a regular flu shot. The CDC does not recommend one vaccination over the other, and to date, there have been no studies comparing the two vaccines. You should also know that both the Fluzone High-Dose and FLUAD can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose flu 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 flu vaccine in the past. If you are allergic to eggs you can ask for a Flucelvax or FluBlok shot. Neither of these vaccines uses chicken eggs in their manufacturing process. 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 Two other important vaccinations the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1 million Americans are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 people die from it. The CDC recommends that all seniors, 65 or older, get two vaccinations –Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. Both vaccines, which are administered just once at different times, protect against different strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection. If you haven’t yet received any pneumococcal vaccine you should get the Prevnar 13 first, followed by Pneumovax 23 at least one year later. But if you’ve already been vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, wait at least one year before getting the Prevnar 13. Medicare Part B covers both shots, if they are taken at least one year apart. To locate a vaccination site that offers any of these shots, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location. 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. THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 11 , 2019 COUNCIL | FROM PAGE 9 fects his constituents. “The distance between the water and Mills Avenue is less than 500 feet, for instance,” Powers said, “so I think 1,500 yards is excellent.” Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky said he was first approached by a constituent about this issue approximately 10 years ago when he heard gunshots at 5:30 a.m. along Ocean Avenue. “Fast forward to today, it still falls right in my neighborhood,” Novoselsky said. “I’m tired of it.” Councillor-at-Large Steven Page 19 Morabito echoed a similar sentiment, saying that four years ago he didn’t hear one complaint, but the number of calls he received over the last three years is alarming. “We’re not taking anyone’s rights away,” Morabito said. “We’re just saying our location isn’t a place for it.” City Council President Arthur Guinasso said he is glad to see the legislation moving forward to the state delegation. “We need to enforce it through placing a fine,” Guinasso said, adding that fines could range from $2,000 to $5,000. Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. ~ Help Wanted ~ Insurance Customer Service Representative (Everett) Established and growing Insurance Agency just north of Boston is seeking a full time Personal Lines Account Specialist. Applicants should have at least 2 years of insurance experience and be proficient in all areas of personal lines including Auto, Home, Umbrella, and Flood. Knowledge of coverage is essential. A Massachusetts Property and Casualty Insurance License is preferred or a willingness to obtain one within three months of employment. In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, we offer a fast paced and positive work environment where team efforts and an ability to work independently are key. Please forward resumes to Danielle@mastrocolainsurance.com EOE 1. On Oct. 11, 1811, the first ferryboat powered by steam began operating between NYC and what N.J. locale? (Hint: starts with H.) 2. What animal is also called a quill pig? 3. On Oct. 12, 1592, who saw a Bahamian island from the ship Pinta? 4. What comic strip had the characters Sandy and Punjab? 5. The novel/movie “The Good Earth” takes place in what country? 6. On Oct. 13, 1792, the cornerstone was laid for the President’s Palace in what city? 7. What fruit juice is traditional grenadine prepared from? 8. The Cole Porter musical “Kiss Me, Kate” has a plot involving the production of what Shakespeare play? 9. On Oct. 14, 1947, “Chuck” Yeager broke the sound barrier while flying over what U.S. desert? 10. What actor appeared in “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stir Crazy”? 11. At what school did Knute Rockne urge his football team to “win one for the gipper”? 12. On Oct. 15, 1776, the N.Y. Provincial Convention ordered that tanned hides be taken and guarded due to a lack of what for soldiers? 13. What comic’s theme song was “Love in Bloom” played off-key on a violin? 14. The haka is a ceremonial dance of what New Zealand indigenous people? 15. On Oct. 16, 1859, who led an antislavery raid on an armory in Harper’s Ferry? 16. In Britain (mostly) what is an agony aunt? 17. What did the Olympian gods drink? 18. On Oct. 17, 1787, what German physicist arrived in the country who later said, “Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you must keep moving”? 19. What movie star cowboy known as “The Singing Cowboy” originated the “Cowboy Commandments”? 20. Oct. 17 is National Pasta Day; what pasta features in a patriotic song about a Yankee? ANSWERS 1. Hoboken 2. Porcupine 3. Christopher Columbus 4. “Little Orphan Annie” 5. China 6. Washington, D.C. (It was later renamed the White House.) 7. Pomegranate 8. “The Taming of the Shrew” 9. The Mojave Desert 10. Gene Wilder 11. Notre Dame 12. Shoes and shoe leather 13. Jack Benny’s 14. The Māori 15. John Brown 16. The writer of a personal advice column 17. Nectar 18. Albert Einstein 19. Gene Autry 20. Macaroni in “Yankee Doodle Dandy”
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