NORFOLK, Va. - If you're 65 or older, you may have a hard time finding the flu shot geared for seniors.
Some pharmacies in Hampton Roads are already running out of it.
"The difference between the two different flu shots is there's a standard dose flu [shot] and then there's a high-dose flu [shot], which is four times the antigen challenge to the body," said News 3 medical expert Dr. Ryan Light of TPMG at Greenbrier Family Medicine,"[it] causes your immune system to work harder to fight off that antigen, so it gives you more exposure."
The higher dose flu shot is intended to help people 65 and older who typically have weaker immune systems.
Dr. Light says if you can't find the high dose version, though, don't wait to get the flu shot.
"It's better to get the flu shot as early as possible," said Dr. Light.
Although it does give you more protection, Dr. Light says it's not drastic enough to wait for one.
"Just because you get four times as much, you don't get four times the protection. You get a little bit better than the other patients with the standard dose, so get the flu shot as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for the high-dose," said Dr. Light.
