About the Seasonal Flu Shot...

The seasonal flu (or influenza) is a serious illness that causes symptoms which include fever, aches and pains, sore throat, runny nose and chills. When people 50 years of age or older and those with chronic health problems get the seasonal flu, they are more likely to develop serious complications which may cause them to be hospitalized.

Getting the seasonal flu shot before the seasonal flu season is the best way to protect yourself. A new seasonal flu vaccine is made each year because the seasonal flu virus tends to change each seasonal flu season. For this reason, it is necessary to get a seasonal flu shot every year. To give your body time to build the proper defense, it is important to get the seasonal flu shot between September through November, before the seasonal flu season starts.

Side effects, if any, from seasonal flu shots are slight for most people. Some people may notice a little redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. You cannot get the seasonal flu from the seasonal flu shot. People who are allergic to eggs should consult with their doctor before getting a seasonal flu shot.

You can get a seasonal flu shot from your doctor or from local seasonal flu shot clinics in your area conducted by health departments, visiting nurse associations or other health care providers.

About the "Pneu Shot"...

To protect yourself from pneumococcal disease, adults who are 65 or older should get the pneumococcal shot. It's safe, it works, and it lasts most people a lifetime. People who get the shot are protected against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. Even if you have had pneumonia in the past, you may still need the pneumococcal shot. It does not protect against viral pneumonia. Most people need to get the shot only once, but older people may need to get a booster. Check with your doctor.

Some people may have mild side effects from the shot, such as a little redness, swelling or tenderness at the injection site. The pneumococcal shot cannot cause pneumonia.

You can get the pneumococcal shot from your doctor or at one of the four Atlantic City casino clinics. Local health departments and visiting nurse associations may also be offering pneumococcal shots at their seasonal flu shot clinics this fall.