Off Topic Medical Plea
This will undoubtedly be shuttled to another forum. But until it is, allow me to make a strong recommendation. THE CURRENT FLU EPIDEMIC AND DEATHS The flu vaccines didn't work. But what DOES...
Forum Discussion
GoPackGo wrote:ktmrfs wrote:
the pneumonia vacine is actually TWO shots given a year apart. and they require at least a year between the shots. they are for two variants of pneumonia.
while this years flue vaccine isn't as effective as many past years, even if it doesn't prevent the flu, it will in most cases make it less potent for any variety. So you may still get pretty sick, but likely not as sick as if you didn't get a shot at all.
and with all that, starting in march, anyone over 60 or maybe 50 should get the new shingles vacine. shingrinex. it is vastly superior to the existing vaccine. Get it even if you already have had the exisiting shingles vaccine.
My doc talked to me about the new shingles vaccine too. He said you will need 2 shots. Each shot is about $200 and not covered by Medicare.
yes, two shots. In our area, the pharmacies are saying march availability.
and the old shingles was recomended for those over 60. I think on the new one they say over 50. And the old one doesn't have a real high prevention rate. It does reduce symptoms for sure. But I do know several people that have had the shingle shot and still ended up getting mild cases. And it's effectiveness decreases noticeably over time.
The new one has a much higher prevention rate and a much higher long term prevention rate.
it may be covered by your medicare supplement insurance plan. My plan hasn't said for sure yet, but it looks like they will cover it. Ours is a medicare advantage plan.
