Question:
If I am a healthy adult over age 65, does getting a flu shot reduce my chances of getting the flu or flu like illness more than not getting a flu shot?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 2
Amount Saved: $25 medical research cost
MedHead Message:
Flu vaccines VERY MODESTLY decrease flu-related infection in healthy adults over 65. 27 health adults over age 65 would need to receive the yearly flu vaccine to reduce one flu-like illness. There is no evidence that receiving flu vaccines reduces death in healthy adults over age 65.
References:
1. Demicheli, V et. al. Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Feb 1;2:CD004876.
