Seattle, WA - The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has launched a national campaign to urge older Americans to take advantage of no cost flu shots available to them through Medicare. 

Nearly 30% of Older Americans are not immunized for flu each year.  The percentage is much higher for Asian and Pacific Islander elders at 42% which is why the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging is joining a network of national minority organizations to launch the effort to educate older adults about the importance of getting a flu shot. 

Older adults are at higher risk for complications from the flu, which can be life threatening.  Flu season can begin as early as October and may last through March.  The best time to get immunized for flu is in October or November; however December or later is still recommended.

“One of the goals of the Aging Network is to help older adults remain living independently, and remaining healthy is central to maintaining independence,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of n4a.  “That is why we came together this fall and developed a campaign to reach older adults with this information.  The Aging network has the capacity to reach millions of seniors and our message this fall is simple: one shot – that costs nothing for people over 65 with Medicare --can help them remain living independently and all they have to do is go get it!”

All adults 65 and older are advised to get a flu shot. People with Medicare who are under 65 and who have chronic illness, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or end-stage renal disease should also seek immunization. Because the vaccine for flu changes each year, it is important to be immunized every fall or winter. 

“We are quickly approaching the height of flu season and the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year,” said Dr. James Randolph Farris, Regional Administrator with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.  “Each year an average of 36,000 Americans die from influenza or its complications.  Many deaths are among older adults.  It is important that both older adults and their caregivers be immunized.  Medicare covers the cost for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, with no out-of-pocket cost to the Medicare beneficiary.”

For more information about flu shots and other preventive services under Medicare, please call NAPCA National Multilingual Toll-free Helpline, English 1-800-336-2722, Chinese 1-800-582-4218, Korean 1-800-582-4259 and Vietnamese 1-800-582-4336.