1. Take Steps to Help Maintain Your Health
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Hello, my name is [insert name], and I’ll be speaking with you today about influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” which is a serious illness. We’ll also discuss the importance of vaccination to help prevent the flu and maintain your health and encouraging your loved ones to do the same.
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2. Overview of Today’s Presentation
Important Flu Information Everyone Needs to Know
Risks for Adults 65 Years of Age and Older
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can be severe and life-threatening, especially for people 65 years of age and older.1
Our immune system weakens with age.2
The flu can worsen existing health conditions.
Importance of annual vaccination
Getting an annual flu vaccination is one of the things we can do to help maintain our health.
Vaccine Options
Adults 65 years of age and older have flu vaccine options designed for their age group. A higher-dose vaccine was developed specifically to address the age-related weakening of the immune system.3
Today, we’ll review important information that everyone should be aware of when it comes to the flu.
Realizing the flu can be serious, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – or CDC – recommends flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exception.1,2
The flu is especially dangerous for older adults for a few reasons:
One reason is because our immune system weakens with age, which makes it harder to fight disease.3
The second reason is because the flu can also make existing health problems worse and is especially dangerous for people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, which commonly affect older adults.4
Adults 65 years of age and older have flu vaccine options designed for their age group. A higher-dose vaccine was developed specifically to address the age-related weakening of the immune system.5
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Not and Who Should Take Precautions. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Accessed on August 15, CDC. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, CDC. People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Not and Who Should Take Precautions. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, 2016.

3. What is Influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness1 that can be severe and life-threatening, especially for people 65 years of age and older.2
Combined with pneumonia, influenza is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States.3
Symptoms include: fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches.1
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.1
The symptoms can be severe and include fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches.1
Influenza is not your common cold; it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, especially for adults 65 years of age and older. 2 In fact, influenza and pneumonia combined are one of the nation’s top ten leading causes of death.
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References:
CDC. Influenza Symptoms. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Seasonal Influenza: Flu Basics. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
Heron M. Deaths: Leading Causes for Natl Vital Stat Rep Dec 20;62(6):1-96.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza Symptoms:. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Seasonal Influenza: Flu Basics. Accessed on August 15, Heron M. Deaths: Leading Causes for Natl Vital Stat Rep Dec 20;62(6):1-96.

4. Flu Can Spread The flu can be easily passed from person to person.1
It can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing or contact with an infected person or surface.1
The flu virus can spread to others up to 6 feet away.1
The flu virus can generally survive on surfaces between 2 and 8 hours.2
Influenza can be spread 1 day before and as many as 7 days (or longer) after symptoms begin.1
Flu vaccination season in the United States typically runs August through May.
Flu activity typically occurs between October and May, and peaks between December and February.  
The flu is easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or contact with secretions from an infected person’s nose or mouth.1 The flu can spread to others up to six feet away and can live on surfaces like books or doorknobs between 2 and 8 hours1,2
Once inside your body, the flu takes 1 to 4 days to start producing symptoms.1 During that time, influenza can be spread to others 1 day before and as many as 7 days (or longer) after symptoms begin.1
So while hygiene measures and social distancing may help reduce the spread of influenza, because it is so contagious and can spread before symptoms even appear, the best way to help protect yourself from the flu and help prevent the spread of flu to your loved ones is to get vaccinated. Keep in mind that in the United States, flu vaccination season typically runs from August through May, with flu activity occurring between October and May, and peaking between December and February, however it is never too late to get vaccinated.
For Seniors, it’s important to try to get vaccinated early in the season as soon as flu vaccine becomes available.3 A study shows that early vaccination is associated with greater benefit compared to later in the season.4
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How flu spreads. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Seasonal Flu Illness. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
FLU VACCINATION SEASON
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How Flu Spreads. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Preventing Seasonal Flu Illness. Accessed on August 15, 2016.

5. Flu Can Be Dangerous in Older Adults
As we age, the immune system weakens, making it harder for the body to fight illness.2
Our bodies produce less antibody in response to vaccination as compared to younger people.2
Adults 65 years of age and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with younger adults.1
During the flu season, those 65 years of age and older had the highest rate of influenza-associated hospitalizations.
Adults in this age group account for, on average:1
More than half of annual flu-related hospitalizations
Almost all of annual flu-related deaths
As we age, our immune system weakens with age, which makes it harder to fight illness. 1
As a result, people 65 years of age and older are especially vulnerable to the flu and its complications.1 Adults 65 years of age and older typically account for more than half of flu-related hospitalizations and almost all of flu-related deaths.1 The flu season recorded the highest hospitalization rates among people 65 years of age and older in recent history.2
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Influenza Activity – United States, Season and Composition of the Influenza Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, 2016.

6. Flu Can Make Existing Health Problems Worse
The flu can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those 65 years of age and older, as it can worsen other chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.1
People with these conditions are more likely to develop complications from the flu that can result in hospitalization and even death.1
86% of adults 65+ have at least one chronic health condition.2
68% of Medicare beneficiaries have two or more chronic health conditions.3
Additionally, as we age, the likelihood of developing other chronic health conditions increases.1
The flu can be dangerous in those 65 years of age and older as it can worsen other chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.1 People with these conditions are more likely to develop complications from the flu compared with younger adults, which can result in hospitalization and even death.2
A large majority of adults 65 years of age and older – 86 percent – have at least one chronic health condition that increases their risk of flu-related complications or even death.1 Furthermore, data show that 68 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have two or more chronic health conditions.3 Some of these conditions are quite common - among those 65 years of age and older, approximately 20 percent have diabetes and 30 percent have heart disease.4
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions. Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
Lochner KA, Cox CS. Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions among Medicare Beneficiaries, United States, Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:
Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: National Health Interview Survey, National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 10(260)
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions. Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions. Accessed on August 15, Lochner KA, Cox CS. Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions among Medicare Beneficiaries, United States, Prev Chronic Dis. 2013;10:

7. An Annual Flu Vaccination is Needed
Getting an annual flu vaccination is one of the things you can do to help maintain your health.
According to the CDC, annual influenza vaccination is the single best way to help prevent the flu.
It is estimated that during the flu season, almost 58,000 hospitalizations were averted due to vaccination in those 65 years of age and older.2
A new vaccine is made each year to help protect against the virus strains that are expected to cause illness.3
For those 65 years of age and older, it’s important to try to get vaccinated early in the season to help protect against any circulating influenza viruses.4
Adults 65 years of age and older have flu vaccine options designed for their age group.
A higher-dose vaccine was developed specifically to address the age-related weakening of the immune system.5
We all want to maintain our health during flu season.
The CDC says that annual influenza vaccination is the single best way to help prevent the flu. People can and should get immunized as soon as flu vaccines become available.1,2
The flu virus has the ability to change; these mutations can give the flu the ability to evade our immune systems or the immunity provided by previous infection or vaccination and make us sick.4
The World Health Organization – or WHO – monitors circulating flu viruses globally and each year recommends flu strains for inclusion in the vaccine. This recommendation is based, in part, on the flu strains that the WHO predicts will circulate predominantly during the upcoming season. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration – or FDA – determines which vaccine viruses will be used in U.S.-licensed vaccines.5 Most years, one or more strains are changed in the vaccine.6
Even when there is no strain change in the vaccine, immunity to the virus gradually wanes.7 For those 65 years of age and older, it’s important to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as vaccine becomes available in their community to help protect against influenza infection season-long.2 A study shows that early vaccination is associated with greater benefit compared to later in the season.9
It’s also important to note that adults 65 years of age and older have flu vaccine options designed for their age group. A higher-dose vaccine was developed specifically to address the age-related weakening of the immune system.5
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Estimated Influenza Illnesses and Hospitalizations Averted by Vaccination — United States, 2014–15 Influenza Season. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Influenza Vaccine Safety. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. How the Flu Virus Can Chance: “Drift” and “Shift.” Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), MMWR. 2011;60(33):
CDC. Vaccination: Who Should Do It, Who Should Not and Who Should Take Precautions. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
CDC. Fluzone High-Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, 2016.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Estimated Influenza Illnesses and Hospitalizations Averted by Influenza Vaccination – United States, Influenza Season. Accessed on August 15, CDC. Selecting the Viruses in the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine. Accessed on August 15, Accessed March 26, CDC. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine Accessed on August 15, CDC. What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older. Accessed on August 15, 2016.

8. Covered by Medicare
Flu vaccination is a Medicare benefit with no copay.
A higher-dose vaccine option is widely available.
Talk to your health care provider about flu vaccine options.
Flu vaccination is a Medicare benefit with no copay. A higher-dose option is widely available; talk to your health care provider about flu vaccine options.
Get vaccinated today and take advantage of this Medicare benefit to help you maintain your health!
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Take advantage of this Medicare benefit to help stay healthy this season!

9. Insights from Americans 65 and older on Flu & Prevention1
Flu Hits Older Adults the Hardest, Yet Many Underestimate the Seriousness of the Flu
This Is Especially True for Adults with Chronic Health Conditions, Yet Many Seniors Are Unaware of the Link Between the Flu and Chronic Health Conditions
Many Older Adults Get Vaccinated Against the Flu Every Year and Follow Their Health Care Professionals’ Recommendations
However, Many Seniors Are Unaware of Their Flu Vaccine Options
Further Education and Resources Are Needed When It Comes to the Flu
The National Council on Aging conducted a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults 65 years of age and older to uncover their knowledge of the flu and flu prevention. The survey found that many older adults underestimate the seriousness of the flu and are largely unaware of their vaccine options.
Here are some interesting facts that came from the survey, which NCOA conducted as part of the Flu + You program last year.
Flu Hits Older Adults the Hardest, Yet Many Underestimate the Seriousness of the Flu
77% of seniors are not extremely confident in their knowledge of possible flu complications.1e
This Is Especially True for Adults with Chronic Health Conditions, Yet Many Seniors Are Unaware of the Link Between the Flu and Chronic Health Conditions
About one third of people 65 years of age and older are unaware that someone with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes would be at risk for complications from the flu1f,1g
Many Older Adults Get Vaccinated Against the Flu Every Year and Follow Their Health Care Professionals’ Recommendations
Nearly 90% of adults 65 years of age and older stated they try to take preventive measures to avoid sickness.
71% of older adults reported getting an annual flu shot to help maintain their health.1i 41% selected the type of flu vaccine recommended by their physician. 1l
However, Many Seniors Are Unaware of Their Flu Vaccine Options
57% are unaware that there is a flu vaccine specifically for their age group1b
Further Education and Resources Are Needed When It Comes to the Flu
Only 8% of survey respondents are concerned about getting the flu despite seniors’ high hospitalization rates, highlighting the need for further education about the seriousness of the flu2
References:
Kelton Global. National Council on Aging Survey in Collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Situation Update: Summary of Weekly FluView. Published April 24, Accessed on August 15, 2016.
References:
1. Kelton Global. National Council on Aging Survey in Collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur. 2. CDC. Situation Update: Summary of Weekly FluView. Published April 24, Accessed on August 15, 2016.

10. For more information visit www.ncoa.org/Flu
Where Can I Learn More?
For more information visit
Visit your health care provider to learn more about your flu vaccine options and the importance of annual vaccination.
If you want to learn more about the flu and your flu vaccine options, we invite you to visit our Flu + You website at A health care provider can discuss your options with your further.
Remember, by getting immunized against the flu not only do you help protect yourself, but you also help prevent the spread of flu to those around you.
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References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), MMWR. 2011;60(33):

11. Questions?
That concludes our presentation for today. Are there any questions?
[If there are no questions or the Q&A has ended continue below.]
Thank you for your time today.
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