About the Flu Shot...

The 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 flu, they are more likely to develop serious complications which may cause them to be hospitalized.

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

Side effects, if any, from 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 flu from the flu shot. People who are allergic to eggs should consult with their doctor before getting a flu shot.

You can get a flu shot from your doctor or from local 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 flu shot clinics this fall.