Fluzone High-Dose for 65 & Older

Background:

• As people age, they become more susceptible to influenza-related complications due to immunosenescence, a natural and progressive weakening of the immune system over time.
• As a result, seniors are less responsive to standard dose influenza vaccine
• This is the rationale for the development of Fluzone High-Dose

What is Fluzone High-Dose:

• Fluzone High-Dose contains 4 times the antigen of a standard dose influenza vaccine (60μg vs 15μg per dose)
• It is indicated for patients 65 years of age and older but may be safely given to anyone 50 & older.
• Fluzone High-Dose is the only vaccine demonstrated through a large randomized study to be more efficacious than standard dose vaccine in preventing influenza in adults 65 years and older
  • In a randomized, multicenter, double blind trial* with 31,803 adults, it was shown that:
    • Fluzone High-Dose is 24.2% more efficacious than the regular flu vaccine against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness caused by any virus type or subtype in adults 65 years of age and older

• Approximately 50 million doses have been distributed in the United States since 2009 with no serious adverse events

Package Information:

• Does not contain gelatin, antibiotic, thimerosal or latex (natural rubber) and is considered safe for use in persons with latex allergies
  • Cost is $85/dose

Reference:

* An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS)/National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2016-2017

Sept 2021