At least there is now a stronger version of the flu vaccine for the elderly.

But having "herd immunity" (meaning most individuals are vaccinated, reducing the chance of the disease taking hold, etc.) also helps infants too young for <whichever vaccine is at issue> or those with compromised immune systems such that they cannot be vaccinated at all (or must minimize such exposures), etc.

DH and I just got our "Geezer level" flu vaccines on Saturday.

He felt nothing. About an hour or two later, my upper arm started to ache something fierce, something that has not happened in the past with flu shots. I was concerned that it was an indication that I'd have some kind of nasty systemic reaction. However, that was "it". Sunday, there was no hint that any vaccination had ever occurred.

I'd search now for Shingrix, but we leave in three weeks to NZ/Australia, so it's no doubt prudent to wait until we return. At least I did get the older version of the Shingles vaccine, so hopefully I have some sort of protection (?).

GC