By Dr. Sunny Ramchandani, President of Flagship Medical Group

As we age, our immune system gradually loses some of its ability to fight off infections, making us more susceptible to illnesses and their complications. Influenza (commonly known as the “flu”), in particular, can cause serious health problems for older adults, often leading to longer recoveries or even hospital stays. Staying healthy later in life isn’t just about good nutrition and regular activity, it also means taking preventive steps to strengthen your body’s defenses before illness strikes.

Each year, influenza begins circulating as the weather cools and people spend more time indoors. For seniors, getting their annual flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay strong, independent, and healthy throughout the season. At Flagship Health, we believe that prevention is empowerment. By staying informed and prepared, older adults can take control of their well-being and enjoy the months ahead with confidence.

In this article, I’ll explain why early vaccination (ideally in September or October) offers the best protection, what to expect from your flu shot, and practical ways to stay well through the colder months.

Why Seniors Face Greater Flu Risks

Influenza is more than just a seasonal inconvenience. For older adults, it can lead to serious health problems and even life-threatening complications. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease increase both the risk of catching the flu and the likelihood of a difficult recovery.

In addition, the immune system naturally becomes less responsive with age, meaning the body doesn’t recognize or fight off new viruses as effectively as it once did. Together, these factors make seniors especially vulnerable when flu season arrives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 70 and 85 percent of flu-related deaths and 50 to 70 percent of hospitalizations occur in people aged 65 and older. Fortunately, vaccination can greatly reduce these risks by helping the body mount a stronger, faster defense against infection.

The Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot

For most adults, September and October are the ideal months to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for your body to build up protective antibodies after receiving the shot, so getting vaccinated early gives you a head start before flu activity begins to rise. Planning your vaccination in early fall helps ensure your protection lasts through the peak months of flu season.

If you wait until late fall or winter, you risk encountering the virus before you are fully protected. However, if you miss that early window, it is still very important to get your vaccine later in the season. Flu activity can last well into spring, and protection is imperative.

The key is to plan ahead and make vaccination a normal part of your fall routine, just like setting up your home for colder weather or scheduling your annual checkups.

High-Dose Flu Vaccine Options for Seniors

As we age, the immune system does not respond to vaccines as strongly as it once did. For that reason, certain influenza vaccines have been specially developed for adults aged 65 and older. These are known as high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines, and they are designed to produce a stronger immune response.

A high-dose flu vaccine contains a larger amount of antigen, the part of the vaccine that helps your body build protection against the virus. An adjuvanted vaccine includes an ingredient that boosts the body’s immune response. Both options help older adults generate more antibodies and stronger protection compared with a standard-dose vaccine.

These vaccines have been shown to be especially effective for seniors who face a higher risk of severe flu illness and complications. Adults aged 65 and older should receive one of these enhanced vaccines whenever possible. If an enhanced option is not available, a standard flu shot is still highly effective and far better than skipping vaccination.

What the Flu Shot Does (and Does Not) Do

The flu vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the influenza virus so it can respond quickly if you are exposed. Within about two weeks, your body builds up antibodies that provide protection against the most likely flu strains for that year. These antibodies act as your body’s early warning system, allowing your immune response to stop the infection before it becomes severe. Even if the virus changes slightly from the strains in the vaccine, your immune system can still recognize it well enough to offer meaningful protection.

What it does:

• Reduces your chances of getting the flu. The vaccine helps prevent infection by preparing your immune system to recognize and fight the virus before it can spread in your body.
  
  
• Lessens the severity of illness and complications. People who are vaccinated and still catch the flu are more likely to experience milder symptoms and less likely to be hospitalized. The vaccine helps your body respond faster and more effectively, reducing how sick you feel, how long you stay ill, and the risk of developing serious complications.
  
  
• Protects those around you. Getting vaccinated reduces the spread of flu in your home and community, protecting those who may be more vulnerable. When more people are vaccinated, it becomes harder for the virus to circulate, helping to keep families, friends, and communities healthier throughout the season.

What it doesn’t do:

• It cannot prevent every case of influenza, especially if new strains circulate. Because the vaccine is formulated each year to target the most likely strains, it may not protect against every version of the virus that emerges.

• It does not take the place of healthy habits like handwashing, rest, and good nutrition. These daily routines work alongside vaccination to keep your immune system strong and give your body the best chance to fight off illness.
  
  
• It is not permanent. Your protection fades over time, and new strains of the virus emerge each year, which is why annual vaccination is essential to stay well protected.

Even when the flu shot is not a perfect match for all circulating strains, it still provides important partial protection. People who are vaccinated generally recover more quickly and have far fewer complications than those who are not. For many older adults, that difference can mean avoiding a hospital stay, maintaining independence, and enjoying a healthier, more active winter. Getting vaccinated each year builds a layer of resilience that protects not only your health but also your quality of life.

Beyond the Shot: Staying Healthy All Winter

The flu vaccine provides critical protection, but overall wellness is built on more than one action. Taking care of your body and mind through daily routines can make a big difference in how you feel during the colder months.

1. Keep Your Hands Clean
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public or touching shared surfaces. Carry hand sanitizer when you are out.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face
Your eyes, nose, and mouth are common entry points for viruses. Being mindful of this habit helps prevent infection.

3. Strengthen Your Immune System Naturally
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc all support immune health. Stay hydrated throughout the day, even when it is cool outside.

4. Prioritize Rest
Sleep allows your body to repair and strengthen its defenses. Aim for seven to eight hours each night. 

5. Stay Active
Even light movement, such as walking, stretching, or chair yoga, supports circulation and overall energy. Exercise also boosts your mood and strengthens your immune system.

6. Stay Connected
Social engagement supports both mental and physical well-being. Reach out to friends and family, join a local group, or volunteer within your community.

7. Seek Care Early
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue, contact your healthcare provider right away. Early treatment with anti-viral medications can often shorten the course of illness and prevent complications.

Taking care of your health through these daily habits complements the protection you receive from vaccination. When combined, these steps help you move through the winter with strength, confidence, and peace of mind.

Combining Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines

Flu activity can arise during the same months that other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), are circulating. Each of these viruses can cause serious illness in older adults, especially for those with existing health conditions. Fortunately, vaccines are available to help protect against all three.

These vaccines work in different ways to prepare your immune system for specific viruses, but they share the same goal—reducing your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. For many people, getting vaccinated against all three is the most effective way to stay healthy through the colder months. Receiving these vaccines may also help prevent overlapping infections, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults with chronic conditions.

In some cases, getting these vaccines at the same visit can be an option. In other cases, it is better to space them out. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are right for you and whether receiving them together makes sense for your health needs. Planning ahead and coordinating your vaccines can simplify your care and strengthen your protection throughout the year.

The Flagship Approach to Preventive Health

At Flagship Health, we focus on helping seniors stay active, independent, and well. Preventive care is a cornerstone of that mission. A simple step like getting your flu shot can prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and help you make the most of every season.

Good health is about preparation and consistency. When you take action early by scheduling your flu vaccine, maintaining healthy routines, and staying engaged with your care team, you give yourself the best chance for a strong, healthy winter.

If you have not yet received the flu shot, reach out to your Flagship Health care team to schedule an appointment. Taking care of your health today ensures that you can continue doing what you love tomorrow.

About Dr. Ramchandani

Dr. Sunny Ramchandani is the President of Flagship Medical Group with over 20 years of experience caring for patients, including extensive work with the senior population. A former White House Fellow and Navy physician, he previously served as Chief Population Health Officer at Naval Medical Center San Diego and helped lead national health reforms in Afghanistan. Dr. Ramchandani holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, Yale School of Medicine, and Harvard School of Public Health.