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Flu Shot Facts, Part 5 of 5: Helping a Reluctant Parent Get the Flu Shot

Indigo Nursing Services
22 hours ago
3 min read

This series breaks down "Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do for 2026" by geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, of Better Health While Aging. The original article and its insights are hers; you can read the full piece here.

You've read the facts, but what if Mom or Dad still says "no thanks"? In the final part of our series, we share Dr. Kernisan's practical advice for families of reluctant older adults.

Five ways to help a hesitant loved one

Dr. Kernisan suggests:

  1. Listen first. "Ask them to clarify what their concerns are." Their worry may be something you can easily address.

  2. Share accurate information. "Provide information to dispel myths and misunderstandings."

  3. Remind them it protects others. Getting vaccinated "can benefit an older person's family members and neighbors," including grandchildren.

  4. Take cost off the table. "Make sure they know they won't have to pay for the flu shot."

  5. Go together. "Offer to go together to get your flu shots."

What if your loved one is homebound?

For older adults who rarely leave home, Dr. Kernisan emphasizes making sure the people who visit them are vaccinated: family, friends, and caregivers. Protecting the people around them helps protect them.

Does Medicare cover the flu shot?

Yes. Per the article, "yearly influenza vaccination is 100% covered by Medicare, with no deductible or co-pay" when you get it from a provider that accepts Medicare.

Where to get a flu shot

Dr. Kernisan points readers to VaccineFinder.org to find vaccination locations nearby, along with the CDC's 2026-2027 flu season page. Remember the goal: vaccinated before the end of October.

The whole series

  • Part 1: The flu is riskier after 65, and last season was the worst in over a decade.

  • Part 2: Ask for Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, Flublok, or the new mRNA mFLUSIVA. A standard shot is fine if those aren't available.

  • Part 3: The flu shot can't give you the flu. Side effects are usually a sore arm.

  • Part 4: Handwashing, the pneumonia vaccine, and vaccinated visitors add extra protection.

  • Part 5: Listen, inform, go together, and remember Medicare covers it.

Quick answers

How do I convince my elderly parent to get a flu shot? Ask about their concerns, correct myths with accurate information, remind them it protects family, confirm it's free, and offer to go with them.

Is the flu shot free with Medicare? Yes. Per Dr. Kernisan, it's 100% covered by Medicare with no deductible or copay from Medicare-accepting providers.

How do I protect a homebound senior from the flu? Make sure everyone who visits them, including caregivers, is vaccinated.

From the Indigo team

This one hits close to home for us. When a client is homebound, their visitors are their biggest flu risk, and that includes caregivers. We fully agree with Dr. Kernisan's advice and encourage everyone on a loved one's care team to get vaccinated.

Thank you for following our Flu Shot Facts series, and a big thank-you to Dr. Leslie Kernisan for her clear, practical guidance.

Source: Kernisan, Leslie, MD MPH. "Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do for 2026." Better Health While Aging, September 18, 2026. https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/flu-shots-in-aging-what-to-know/

This post summarizes an article by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, for general education. It isn't medical advice. Talk with your or your loved one's doctor about which vaccine is right for you.

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