Each year’s vaccine introduces three to four inactive strains of influenza, which spur your body to create antibodies against the actual virus. In a four-year study from New Zealand, flu shots reduced influenza admissions by 82%! Unfortunately, the vaccine is less effective in older people, so if you are 65 or older make sure that you ask your doctor about a Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, which is four times stronger. Ordway on Alvarado Street, CVS, Rite Aid or even Safeway pharmacy has plenty of doses—and hopefully the coronavirus vaccine is coming soon as well.
