CDC Says Those Over 65 Need A ‘Super-Flu Shot’ In CNY

Did you know there are two high-dose flu vaccines explicitly designed for people 65 and older?

The supercharged flu vaccines are specifically for seniors as they're at greater risk of severe complications from the flu.

According to the CDC, it’s estimated that between about 70 percent and 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in that age group. So influenza is often quite dangerous for people 65 and older.

The supercharged vaccines, called Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Quadrivalent, are both injectable influenza vaccines made to protect against the flu viruses but contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccines. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response (more antibody) in the person getting the vaccine.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the high-dose vaccine was 24.2% more effective in preventing flu in adults 65 years of age and older relative to a standard-dose. Find more information here.

Visit the CDC for more information, and please make sure your loved ones are taking care of themselves this flu season.