Half-Dose Flu Shots Work for Adults

They have done a government study and found that half-dose flu shots are effective in adults. They are especially effective in women and those younger than 50. This offers a way to stretch supplies during vaccine shortages. During hard economic times, the strategy might be an option since lower doses would mean cheaper shots also. The lower dosage could open doors to vaccinating people in poor countries where flu shots are little used.

The study involved l,114 adults aged 18 to 64. It is the first to test half-dose flu shots in those aged 50 and older during a single flu season 2004-2005. The results among younger adults echo previous research. Traditionally, vaccine programs have followed a "one size fits all" approach which means everyone gets the same dose and during shortages, supplies are more likely to run out. Half-doses could be given to a large numbers of adults, if the study results are confirmed through additional research. This would enable more people to get vaccinated. This is very important as each year the disease is responsible for 36,000 deaths.

Pneumonia Shots

We got pneumonia shots yesterday afternoon and my husband got his flu shot in the morning also. I had gotten my flu shot the week before but he had to wait due to his cataract surgery. But now he is running a fever and chills and I think perhaps he shouldn't have gotten both shots the same day, one in the morning in one arm and one in the afternoon in the other arm. I think he is having a light case of the flu. They sa that is good but he doesn't feel so good. My arm where they gave me the pneumonia shot has turned bright red and swollen and now I have another big red spot like hives just below it. I hope I don't get any other hives. It had been 10 years since we had the pneumonia shots. We get flu shots every year and I think everyone should if they can, and aren't allergic to eggs and anything else on their list.

Flu Shots

We both went up and got our flu shots so now we are all set. They say it takes a couple of weeks to be effective and the flu really does not start I guess until the first of the year. But we are glad to be protected. In past years, we had really bad cases of the flu that put us right down in bed for several days and once I lost my voice for a whole week along with it. It isn't fun. So if you haven't gotten your shot yet, please do because you won't be sorry.