Human immune defenses weaken with age, so people 65 and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu than young, healthy adults. Your age group accounts for an estimated 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the U.S. each year.
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for you every year. People 65 and older who have not yet gotten a seasonal flu vaccine should still seek vaccination. Supplies of the seasonal flu vaccine are limited this year because of early availability of, and high interest in, seasonal flu vaccine.
Most people who have become sick from 2009 H1N1 are younger. People 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, but if they get sick, they are at "high risk" of developing serious complications from their illness. Therefore, people 65 and older are prioritized for antiviral treatment if they get sick this season with either seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu.
People 65 and older are now encouraged to seek vaccination against 2009 H1N1 vaccine as well.
Pneumonia is a complication of flu, commonly caused by the pneumococcus bacteria when it invades the lungs. Pneumococcal infections kill thousands of people in the U.S. annually, typically people in your age group. However, there is a vaccine to prevent secondary infections like pneumonia.
More flu information for people 65 and older
What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older
Prevention Of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary To Seasonal And 2009 H1N1 Influenza