Influenza elderly vaccine

What is the Influenza High-Dose Vaccine?

A vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of influenza and the associated complication of pneumonia-related hospitalization, indicated for use in persons 65 years of age and older. The higher dose of antigen and extra ingredients in the vaccine to boost their effectiveness is intended to give elderly a better immune response to vaccination, and therefore, provide better protection than the standard flu vaccine, according to recent guidelines from the CDC.
An efficacy study indicated that the high-dose vaccine was SAFE & EFFECTIVE for Elderly
24% more effective in preventing flu in elderly relative to a standard-dose vaccine
>10 years experience of use
prevent approximately 2,000 annual deaths from the flu
Prevent flu-related hospitalization

Reduce Pneumonia hospitalization 27.3%

Reduce Cardiorespiratory hospitalization 17.9%

Reduce Influenza hospitalization 11.7%

Reduce All-cause hospitalization 8.4%

Who can receive the Influenza High-Dose Vaccine?

In the United States, influenza High-Dose vaccine is approved for people 65 years and older.
For those who are younger than 65 with underlying diseases or health problems, consult your doctor to see if the vaccine is suitable for you.

Why elderly need more protection against influenza?

Since the immune defenses become weaker with increasing age, people 65 years and older have significantly higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and account for the majority of flu hospitalizations and mortalities. The weakened immune system can also mean that older people don’t respond as well to flu vaccination.
Flu can have devastating impact across major organ systems.

Neurological: 8x increased risk of Stroke

Cardiovascular: 10x increased risk of Heart Attack

Lower respiratory 8x increased risk of Pneumonia

Diabetic: 75% increased abnormal glycemic events

Loss of autonomy: 23% experience loss of independence

Contraindications

A severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine is a contraindication to administration of the vaccine.

Warning and Precauttions

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: If Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has occurred within 6 weeks following any previous influenza vaccination, the decision to give the vaccine should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks

Side effects

The most common side effects experienced during clinical studies were mild and temporary, and included pain, redness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, and malaise, but most were mild and resolved within a few days

Preventing and managing allergic reactions

Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of the vaccine