Flu Shot Importance for Senior Citizens Explained at Stop & Shop

Stop & Shop District Pharmacy Manager, Jim Dinicola and Freeholder Mary A. Amoroso

Health experts and elected officials joined Stop & Shop pharmacists, representatives from local senior care company, CareOne, and area senior citizens at the Dumont Stop & Shop to highlight the importance of flu shots for senior citizens.

While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden. It’s estimated that between 70 and 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group.

“Those 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults because human immune defenses become weaker with age,” said Stop & Shop District Pharmacy Manager, Jim Dinicola. “We hope that by educating the greater Dumont senior community on the importance of flu shots, we’ll be able to impact their health and well-being this flu season.”

Standing in front of the Dumont Stop & Shop Pharmacy Department Dinicola, representatives from CareOne and numerous elected officials outlined why it is important for older residents to proactively receive the flu shot while healthy and before we start to see widespread reports of flu cases across New Jersey.

“It is important for older adults to get the flu shot every year because they are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death,” said Cheryl Dorn, MSW, LNHA the Administrator of CareOne at Cresskill. “Protect yourself and your loved ones and get the shot to get through this flu season healthy.”

New Milford resident Cheryl Hensle stated, “I think it important to get the flu shot, so I know I can be around my grandchildren without the risk of getting them sick. It is protection for them and for me. Any measures that I can take, I make sure I take them.”

“I’ve been getting a flu shot since I was in my fifties in the hope of avoiding the flu, or if I get it, for it not to be as severe,” said 82-year-old Jane Zimmerman. She says she and her 83-year-old husband George make sure to get the flu shot each year. “At our age we need to take every precaution. To those seniors hesitant to get the flu shot, I would say that not taking this very simple precaution can be dangerous and detrimental to your health.”

“Those who are 65 years and older are more susceptible to developing serious health complications. The most effective way to reduce your risk of getting the flu is to get vaccinated, plain and simple. The flu vaccine is virtually painless, safe, and widely-available, said New Jersey State Senator Gerald Cardinale. “Medicare Part B covers 100% of the costs of seasonal flu shots. It’s important to note that flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. In addition to getting the flu shot, the Center for Disease Control recommends that people 65 years and older should take everyday preventive actions such as covering coughs, washing hands often, and avoiding people who are sick.”

“Flu vaccination is the single most important action we can take to protect ourselves against what can be an extremely dangerous and unpredictable infection,” said 39th District Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi. “I commend Stop & Shop for making it easy for our residents to get this important vaccination and I encourage people to take this opportunity to protect themselves and those around them during this year’s flu season.”

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to get their yearly flu vaccination,” said Freeholder Mary A. Amoroso. “Older Americans and the very young are more susceptible to the flu than any other age groups. We all need to be vaccinated, do it as soon as possible and visit your grandchildren with confidence.”

Dumont Council President Carl Manna stated, “We are fortunate to be able to be proactive in protecting our health. By getting a flu shot, we are taking control of our well-being. If you are a senior, take advantage of this service.”

For more information about flu vaccinations and prevention, or to find a Stop & Shop pharmacy near you, visit stopandshop.com.