New Mexico Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting a flu shot and underscore it as particularly important this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of broad public immunization is particularly key for high-risk groups such as seniors.
Although some studies have shown the high-dose flu shot, approved for people age 65 and older, to be more effective at preventing flu and reducing hospital stays, the CDC has not expressed a preference for the high-dose shot over the regular adult vaccine in this age group.
The New Mexico Department of Health urges providers to recommend the adult flu shot for seniors rather than waiting for a high-dose shot.
In addition, the CDC does not recommend getting a booster, or second dose, in a single flu season.
For a list of flu shot locations, visit www.togethernm.org or www.vaccinefinder.org.
