COVID Going On Three Years Now, We Still Need Our Booster Shots

Close up shot Covid vaccine dose

Unless you are just getting over COVID-19 (in which case you can wait three months from the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC), make sure you get your booster shots on schedule.  Other than getting all of your vaccinations, there are a few lifestyle changes which can boost your immune system.  Not smoking, not drinking excessively, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet,” according to infections disease expert Dr. Lawrence Liverornese, chairman of the department of medicine at Main Line Health System, can boost your immune system, he told AARP Bulletin.  COVID-19 can also cause other problems—older adults are six times more likely to suffer a heart attack within a week of catching the flu.  Also, make sure to get your flu shot, although do know that this is not 100% protection (there are more than 200 viruses out there, and vaccinations can’t cover every one of them).

Flu and COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations In Salinas November 2

Group of older people showing thumbs up

Make your appointment now by calling 646-4931 or 646-5050 to get your flu shot and COVID19 booster vaccination.  Alliance on Aging has teamed up with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to provide them at The HUB which is located at 236 Monterey Street in Salinas.  Bus passes and Taxi vouchers are available if transportation or parking is an issue please ask about them when you call.  They will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2.

FDA Gives Guidance On COVID-19 Booster Shots

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration or FDA today announced the new rules for booster shots.  Seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 those are at high risk of developing severe COVID and those exposed to the virus either through their work or living situation are also eligible.  “After considering the totality of the available scientific evidence and the deliberations of our advisory committee of independent, external experts, the FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for a booster dose in certain populations such as health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others,” acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/22/fda-authorizes-pfizers-covid-booster-shots-in-people-65-and-older-and-other-vulnerable-americans.html

Salinas, CA Alliance on Aging Will Host Drive-Through Senior Luncheon & Flu Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday October 5

An Influenza vaccine liquid and the injections

Alliance on Aging provides a lot of great services to our senior community.  Please join them on October 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church at 72 East San Joaquin Street in Salinas for a box lunch which includes a chicken sandwich, black bean and corn salad, a bag of chips, a bottle of water and a homemade cookie.  Attendees will also receive a box/bag from the Food Bank for Monterey County.  The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) will also be at the luncheon to give both flu and pneumonia vaccinations.  Reservations must be made by September 30.  Call 758-4011 or 655-1334 to reserve your spot.

Monterey, CA Get Your Flu Shot! Influenza And COVID-19 Could Be A Deadly Combination!

An Influenza vaccine liquid and the injections

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.