---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/get-basics-flu-shots-older-adults-age-65'
title: 'Get the Basics: Flu Shots for Older Adults (Age 65+)'
author:
  name: 'Aimee Cegelka'
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/99'
date: '2022-07-26T17:29:23+00:00'
updated: '2026-09-30T20:05:27+00:00'
type: resource
summary: 'Get the Basics: Flu Shots for Older Adults (Age 65+) > Protect yourself against the flu (also known as influenza) by getting a flu shot every year! Different types of flu viruses infect the nose, throat and lungs and spread through our communities. Flu symptoms can include sore throat, body aches, and fever. Since flu viruses change, flu shots are updated each year. Getting a flu shot every year protects you:'
image: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/sites/default/files/media-icons/generic/generic.png'
files:
  - 'https://www.healthinaging.org/sites/default/files/media/pdf/HIA-Basics-Flu-vaccine-FINAL.pdf'
published: true
---
##  [Get the Basics: Flu Shots for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/get-basics-flu-shots-older-adults-age-65)

Need a PDF?

 [Get the Basics: Flu Shots for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/sites/default/files/media/pdf/HIA-Basics-Flu-vaccine-FINAL.pdf "HIA-Basics-Flu-vaccine-FINAL.pdf") (210.31 KB)

**Protect yourself against the flu (also known as influenza) by getting a flu shot every year!**

Different types of flu viruses infect the nose, throat and lungs and spread through our communities. Flu symptoms can include sore throat, body aches, and fever. Since flu viruses change, flu shots are updated each year.

**Getting a flu shot every year protects you:**

- You are less likely to get the flu
- You are less likely to get seriously sick if you do get the flu

**Everyone should get a flu shot each year, especially:**

- People aged 65 and older
- Nursing home residents
- People with serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, lung disease, or HIV

**Fall is the best time to get your flu shot.** The flu is especially common in the fall and winter. If you did not get your shot in the fall, you can get vaccinated in the winter especially if it is before flu season peaks.

**The flu vaccine is free in most cases:**

- If you have Medicare, you will not have to pay to get vaccinated.
- Medicaid and private health insurance plans typically cover vaccine costs.
- If you are uninsured, you may be able to get free vaccines.

**Vaccines are available at many locations:**

- Most drug stores
- Community health centers
- State or local health departments

**Find a flu shot location near you:**

- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider
- Visit [vaccines.gov](vaccines.gov "Vaccines.gov")

*Last Reviewed and Updated:* **September 2026**
*By:* [AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers](https://www.healthinaging.org/about-us/about-website/content-contributors-and-reviewers)

The AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. In this initiative, AGS leverages existing resources and ongoing investments in content and technology.

[Learn More: What You Need to Know About Flu Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)](/tools-and-tips/learn-more-what-you-need-know-about-flu-vaccines-older-adults-age-65)