DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 73-year-old female with atrial fibrillation (AFib) who recently had a pacemaker implant and has been doing well since. I also have a thyroid gland disorder, and I’m taking daily medication treatments for both my thyroid and heart. Over 20 years ago, I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and have had no long-lasting side effects from the illness. My primary doctor gave me the OK to get a seasonal flu shot three years ago. But, recently, an urgent care doctor strongly recommended that I should never get a flu shot.

I have received the two Moderna COVID-19 shots, as well as two Moderna booster shots, the last one dated July 18. My question to you is, do you recommend I receive the new COVID and flu shots that just came out recently? Should I avoid ever getting a flu shot in the future due to my past diagnosis of GBS? I’ll be traveling to Europe in mid-October, and I’m not sure what to do. — A.G.