If you are hospitalized just before or during the flu season, the hospital may offer you flu or pneumonia shots before you go home. It s okay to take them. Keep a record of both immunizations. Don t accept another shot at the Senior Center or other setting in the same time period if you ve been immunized in the hospital. If you go elsewhere, Medicare may not pay.
Vaccines offer protection without disease.
The vaccine is enough like the real germ to cause it to form antibodies that work against the real germs. You cannot get the flu or pneumonia from the shots. Stay healthy by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise. For all Medicare beneficiaries in New York State, if you do not go regularly to a doctor, you should still get flu or pneumonia shots.