High-Dose Influenza Vaccine

Jun. 25, 2017

Influenza is particularly dangerous in the elderly. However, the elderly often have a reduced response to vaccine complicating control of the flu in this vulnerable group. Our recent publication compared the efficiency of both high and low-dose influenza vaccine in people > 65 years old finding that patients receiving high-dose vaccine had a significant reduction in the risk of developing laboratory-confirmed influenza infection.

In comparison to the standard vaccine dose, the high-dose flu shot was well-tolerated in elderly adults, induced stronger immune responses and was better at preventing influenza infections than the standard-dose vaccine. The improved response to the high-dose vaccine and its ability to prevent Flu in people over 65 years old indicates that it should be considered for inclusion in influenza immunization programs. The full study can be found here http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X17304449.