New study shows flu shot not as efficient on seniors

The Center for Disease Control found that this year's flu vaccine worked just over half the time, but it was only 9 percent effective against the dangerous A-strain in people over the age of 65. Those are the people most likely to end up in the hospital, or even die from the flu.

Those new results didn't come as a surprise to some local seniors who got a shot and still got the flu.

Virginia Carey got sick last month and had to spend a full week at home and missed hanging out with her friends at the Jonestown Senior Center.

"Seeing I got the flu shot I didn't think I had the flu," said Carey. "I thought it was the meds I was taking."

She quit taking her blood pressure and migraine pills for days, but felt no better.

"I got sick, my stomach was upset I was throwing up, I was a mess."

Other seniors say the flu shot is useless and even risky. Mary Bremer said she got the flu more than thirty years ago after she getting the flu shot and hasn't taken the vaccine since.

"My sisters get (the flu) every year and they get the flu shot," said Bremer.

Whether the shot is effective or not is debatable with some local seniors. Dr. Carlos Victorica, from Scott & White healthcare, has treated many seniors over the years and says avoiding the flu shot could come at a high price.

“The benefits far outweigh any risks from vaccination and there's a significant likelihood or morbidity or even mortality if they acquire influenza," he said. "So vaccination really becomes paramount."

The Center for Disease Control says flu season is wrapping up, but come this fall, seniors should do what they can to stay healthy, including taking flu medicine if they suspect the flu virus coming on.