Aug
Not everyone will be able to get this vaccine.
In the United States, the flu season typically spans from October to February, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To proactively safeguard yourself, it is advisable to obtain a flu vaccine prior to the commencement of the season.
When contemplating the acquisition of a flu vaccine, it is essential to recognize the assortment of options accessible, ranging from quadrivalent to recombinant flu vaccines. Among these alternatives, the high-dose flu vaccine stands out. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that eligibility for the high-dose flu vaccine is not universal. To gain insights into this vaccine choice, we turn to the expertise of infectious disease specialists.
What Is the High-Dose Flu Shot, and Who Should Get It?
The Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent stands out as a prominent contender in the realm of flu vaccinations. It is the sole authorized high-dose inactivated flu vaccine recognized by the CDC, encompassing a quartet of components designed to fortify the body’s defense against influenza.
Specifically tailored for adults aged 65 and above, the high-dose flu vaccine offers a distinctive approach. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, an esteemed infectious disease specialist affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Maryland, elucidates that this vaccine variety contains a heightened concentration of viral protein, a crucial element for stimulating immune response when juxtaposed with the standard flu vaccine.
Functionally, the high-dose flu shot mirrors its conventional counterpart, administering inactivated virus to trigger antibody production within the body. Yet, it garners distinction by inducing a more robust immune reaction.
The research underscores the gravity of this recommendation. An October 2019 article featured in Cellular Immunology reveals that a staggering 90% of flu-related fatalities transpire among the elderly, a demographic predisposed to intricate flu-related complications. Against this backdrop, the rationale for advocating the high-dose vaccine becomes evident.
Advancing age often corresponds to a waning immune system, rendering individuals aged 65 and beyond with immune resilience less potent than their younger counterparts. Dr. Richard Watkins, a distinguished infectious disease physician and professor at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, elaborates that this diminished immune vigor also translates to a less efficacious response to the standard flu vaccine, as corroborated by the CDC. Consequently, the high-dose vaccine serves as a tailored solution to address this disparity.
Why Isn’t the High Dose Vaccine Recommended for Individuals Younger Than 65 Years Old?
While the high-dose vaccine exhibits heightened potency, Dr. Adalja emphasizes that its efficacy diminishes among younger individuals, underscoring the fact that its advantages are more pronounced in older demographics. However, for those below 65 years of age, an array of alternative vaccine choices is readily accessible.
The CDC underscores the universality of flu vaccination, recommending its administration to all individuals aged 6 months and above, regardless of age. The advisory further emphasizes the importance of selecting a flu vaccine endorsed for one’s specific age group. In this context, certain inactivated flu vaccines, leveraging deactivated pathogenic agents to trigger immune responses, are sanctioned for individuals as young as 6 months.
Conversely, some flu vaccines cater exclusively to adults. Notably, the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV), designed through genetic recombination techniques, is exclusively sanctioned for individuals aged 18 years and beyond.
Does the High-Dose Flu Shot Have Any Risks or Side Effects?
The CDC offers specific guidance that cautions against the utilization of the high-dose flu vaccine for individuals with a documented history of severe allergic reactions to the vaccine itself or to components within the vaccines, excluding egg-related ingredients. To address any apprehensions, you can consult a healthcare professional for detailed information about the vaccine’s constituents, which should be outlined in the accompanying package inserts.
Notably, scientific investigations have illuminated the effectiveness of the high-dose flu vaccine compared to standard dose formulations, particularly among the elderly. However, these studies have concurrently revealed a heightened occurrence of mild to moderate local reactions. Dr. Richard Seidman, Chief Medical Officer at LA Care Health Plan, underscores that the prevalence of such reactions must be considered. Furthermore, the clinical trials brought to light that the most common adverse events were transient and of a mild nature. These encompass sensations of pain, localized redness at the injection site, headaches, muscle discomfort, and temporary weakness.
What if the High-Dose Flu Shot Isn’t Available?
Should the high-dose vaccine be unavailable through healthcare providers, pharmacies, or other vaccination venues, the standard-dose vaccine serves as a viable alternative, as affirmed by Dr. Seidman.
It’s important to note that, as of August 2022, the CDC recognizes three distinct flu vaccines tailored for individuals aged 65 and above. Among them, one vaccine maintains an equivalent antigen quantity to the injection for younger adults while incorporating an adjuvant—an additive intended to amplify the immune response elicited by the vaccine.
The Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine is notable for its fourfold antigen content, while the Fluzone Quadrivalent recombinant vaccine features three times the antigen concentration.
Dr. Adalja underscores the value of the adjuvanted flu vaccine, another formulation designed for older adults. He elucidates that this vaccine variant is a preferable choice within older age groups compared to the standard flu vaccine. According to the CDC, the adjuvanted flu vaccine incorporates MF59 adjuvant, an augmenting component that heightens the immune response to vaccination. Furthermore, the recombinant vaccine is a suitable alternative for those with egg allergies, as it avoids the use of eggs in its production process.
A Quick Review
Formulated with augmented viral protein content, the high-dose flu vaccine is meticulously designed to bolster the immune response in individuals aged 65 and above.
When seeking the high-dose flu vaccine, it’s imperative to explicitly communicate your preference rather than assuming it will be administered solely based on your age. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that no vaccine offers complete immunity against the flu.
Dr. Seidman emphasizes that although an individual can still contract the flu post-vaccination, research suggests that the infection’s severity tends to be notably milder in vaccinated individuals compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.
