Rally admits it: he’s skipped his annual flu shot for years. But new research on the high-dose version will have him rolling up his sleeve this fall. Turns out it might do more than fight the flu — it may help protect your brain too. Rally breaks down what the study found, why it matters more at 65+, and exactly how to get the right shot at your local pharmacy.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Hey, Beautiful People. Welcome back to the Silver Beast Podcast. I’m Rally Preston. Seventy-one years old here. Woohoo! Yeah, hitting the sevens like it’s my lucky number.
So today we’re talking shots. Flu shots – no need to grab your shot glass.
So, the seasonal flu shot… do you get one every year? I’ve been a bad boy – I’ve skipped it for a number of years now, I admit it.
But you know, I’ll probably get the shot this year after the research I did for this episode.
And this may sound a little nutty, even from me, but it’s not really about keeping the flu bug away for me.
So ok, let me explain this…
There’s a new study out saying the right flu shot might do something good for your brain, too.
I know, sounds like a stretch there. But, listen to this…
There’s a big study out this year. It looked at older adults, 65 plus, and flu shots. And they found something pretty interesting here…
Folks 65 and up who got the high-dose flu vaccine, the stronger one, had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. A 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s over the study’s roughly three-year duration. So within those three years, a 55% lower risk of Alzheimer’s is a pretty big deal, right? And this is compared to older folks who got the regular dose flu shot.
Now, this new study builds on earlier research too. Just getting any flu shot at all, versus skipping it, already lowered Alzheimer’s risk some. The high-dose version lowered it even more.
So how does that work, you ask?
Alright, well, nobody knows for sure.
But here’s what they’re thinking…
When your immune system is primed to fight the flu, it keeps inflammation down. And inflammation in your body is linked to brain aging. That’s been known for a while – since the late 1970s. So a stronger shot means a stronger immune system response. Which might mean less strain on your brain over time.
So a stronger immune system overall just protects everything better – your brain included. And of course, brain health matters. Especially at our age, right? We don’t want to lose our sharpness. Our memories. So something that’s so simple, like getting a flu shot, that might help protect your brain too – well, I’m interested this year. And like I said, I don’t normally get a flu shot.
Now, this study, it was an observational study. Meaning researchers watched real people over about three years. They didn’t run a strict lab experiment. So it’s not iron-clad proof. But it seems pretty compelling at this point. And earlier studies back up the same sort of results.
Now look, I get it. Some of you have gotten a little more needle-shy about vaccines lately, in general. Lot of noise out there, right? Lot of mixed messages. Fallout from the COVID vaccines. Yeah, I totally get it. And look, I’m not trying to sell you a flu shot – just telling you what this study, and others like it, have found out about the flu shot and maybe better brain health.
But this – the flu shot – isn’t some new, experimental thing. The flu shot’s been around for decades. Millions and millions of people get it here in the US every year. And the high-dose version for folks our age? Well, that’s been recommended for years now. So, nothing brand new or untested here.
So let’s talk about how you actually get one of these high-dose flu shots.
Well, good news. It’s so easy.
You don’t need a doctor’s referral. You don’t need special approval. You can just walk into your local pharmacy. CVS, Walgreens, even your grocery store if it has a pharmacy. It doesn’t matter which one; just walk in, tell them you’re 65 or older.
Ask for the high-dose flu vaccine. Or you can say the adjuvanted version—if I’m saying that right—that’s the other option for us. Adjuvanted just means they add something extra. It helps your immune system respond stronger. Either one works fine.
And yeah, that’s it. Super simple.
Most pharmacies stock these flu vaccines. Just tell them your age. No appointment needed in a lot of places. You just walk in, roll up your sleeve, and you know, you’re done.
And here’s the best part. Medicare typically covers it completely. Zero dollars out of pocket. So that’s – that means free brain insurance for me.
Okay, so when’s the best time to go?
Well, sometime in October or early November. Before flu season kicks into high gear. Don’t wait till everybody around you is sick, obviously.
Now I know some of you are already flu shot regulars, and good for you. Make sure you go this year.
But if you’ve been getting the regular dose? Or skipping it altogether – like me? Well, this might be the year to switch it up. Which, like I said, I’ll probably do.
I don’t think there’s much downside here, Beasties. Really. Best case, you dodge the flu. Or at least just have a milder case. And you’ll be giving your brain a boost, it looks like – lower that risk of Alzheimer’s.
And worst case, your arm’s a little sore for a day, maybe you have a little fatigue, a mild headache. Typical side effects for the day. But that’s about it.
And hey, if you hate needles? Yeah, I get that one. I still look away myself. Seventy-one years old, and I still turn my head like a little kid. Yeah, I don’t think there’s any shame in that. It’s over before you know it. Just don’t expect a lollipop this time.
Alright, here are your Silver Beast Action Steps to get a high-dose flu shot this year. And, quite possibly, lower your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Alright, number one. Call or walk into your pharmacy this October or early November. Maybe put it on your calendar or set a reminder on your smartphone. That’s something you can do today.
Number two. Ask specifically for the high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. Just as long as it’s not the regular one. You want the high-octane one for better brain protection.
Number three. Mention you’re 65 years old or older. They’ll probably say, oh wow, you don’t look it! I’ll need to see some ID, young lady! Point is, they should pull the right vaccine for you.
Alright, number four. Get it done before flu season peaks – that’d be again, early November at the latest, I’d say, so it has time to get your immune system up to speed.
Number five. Tell a friend about this. Seriously. I’m sure a lot of people don’t know about this – the brain benefits of a flu shot. I mean, I was clueless until I read this study.
Now, quick reminder. I’m not a doctor. If you’ve got questions about vaccines and your health, always talk to your doctor or your pharmacist. They know your history.
But here’s what I do know. A few minutes at the pharmacy. One little ouchie in the arm. That’s a small ask, I think, for some real protection here. For your body, for sure, and it really looks like for your brain too.
Alright Beasties, that’s it for today. Mark your calendar now, and roll up that sleeve before flu season starts.
Hey, thank you for stopping by the Silver Beast Podcast. This is Rally Preston. Hey, let’s do some shots, and I will catch you next time. Take care!