Over the next few months, I will personally vaccinate hundreds of seniors against the seasonal flu. Many suffer from conditions that cause them to have a weakened immune system. The most common cold could send them to the hospital. With the flu vaccine being the number one source of protection against the flu, it is important seniors get vaccinated.
Today, when it comes to protecting adults over the age of 65 from the seasonal flu, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that the high dose vaccine is the best option. The new high-dose vaccine is now proven to be 24.2% more effective than the regular vaccine. However with all things new, there are still many questions about the high-dose vaccine. To help you sift through the mass amounts of information and help you make the best decision for yourself or a loved-one, below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the high-dose vaccine.
What is a high-dose flu vaccine?
Containing four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that causes the body to produce antibody) than regular flu vaccine, high-dose flu shots create a stronger immune response.
Who is approved to receive the high-dose vaccine?
The vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, is approved for people age 65 and older. However, like all flu vaccines, it is not recommended for those who have previously experienced a reaction after receiving the vaccine.
Why is a high-dose vaccine only available for adults 65 and older?
Human immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. With a higher dose of antigen in the vaccine, older people can gain a better immune response and better protect themselves against the flu. Most people under 65 do not require the added amount of antigen. The regular flu vaccine offers them enough protection.
Does the high-dose vaccine provide better immunity?
Data from clinical trials comparing the regular flu vaccine with the high-dose flu vaccine among persons aged 65 years or older indicate that a stronger immune response occurs after vaccination with the high dose vaccine. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that the high-dose vaccine is 24.2% more effective in preventing flu in adults 65 years of age and older than a standard-dose vaccine.
Is the high-dose vaccine safe?
The safety profile of the high-dose flu vaccine is similar to that of regular flu vaccines. Some adverse events (which are also reported after regular flu vaccines) were reported more frequently after vaccination with the high-dose vaccine. The most common adverse events experienced during clinical studies were mild and temporary, and included pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, fever and malaise. Most people had minimal or no adverse events after receiving the high-dose vaccine.
Does CDC recommend one vaccine above another for people 65 and older?
The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have not expressed a preference for any flu vaccine indicated for people 65 and older. The CDC recommends flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.
Will the high-dose flu shot protect me from pneumonia?
No. Unfortunately, it only defends against influenza. You should receive a pneumonia vaccination to receive protection from pneumonia.
Where can I find more information about the high-dose vaccine?
Visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm
Feel free to leave your flu vaccination questions in the comment section below!
-Linda Landau, RN
caringathome.wordpress.com 