Flu vaccines can be life-saving — but knowing which one offers the best protection is key, especially for seniors.
Even though flu season may be winding down this April, its impact is still fresh in our minds. Emergency rooms have been packed, hospital beds filled and too many families have faced the devastating consequences of flu-related complications. If you’re over 65, or you care about someone who is, it’s time to start thinking ahead. The flu is not just a bad cold — for older adults, it can be deadly.
The good news? Flu vaccines save lives. But not all flu vaccines are the same and if you’re a senior, one option gives you much stronger protection.
Why seniors are at higher risk
As we age, our immune systems don’t respond as well as they used to. That’s why people aged 65 and older are much more vulnerable to severe flu complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that older adults account for 70 to 85 per cent of flu-related deaths and up to 70 per cent of hospitalizations. A case of the flu that a younger person might bounce back from could mean weeks in the hospital — or worse — for a senior.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that older adults account for 70 to 85 per cent of flu-related deaths and up to 70 per cent of hospitalizations.
That’s why vaccination is so critical. But here’s the problem: standard flu shots don’t work as well in older adults. That’s why specialized flu vaccines have been developed specifically for seniors.
The best flu vaccine for seniors
There are two flu vaccines designed for older adults: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (Fluzone High-Dose) and Fluad Quadrivalent (Fluad). Both are better than a standard flu shot, but research shows that Fluzone High-Dose gives the strongest protection.
Fluzone High-Dose contains four times the antigen of a standard dose flu shot, giving your immune system the boost it needs to protect against the virus. Studies have shown that it provides 24 per cent better protection than a standard flu vaccine in adults aged 65 and older. That extra protection is a big deal when you’re talking about a virus that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands of seniors each year.
Fluad, on the other hand, is an adjuvanted vaccine, meaning it includes an ingredient to help stimulate a better immune response. While it’s still a better option than a regular flu shot, most experts and health authorities agree that the high-dose flu vaccine provides superior protection.
Be your own advocate
Unfortunately, not every province or health care provider stocks the high-dose flu vaccine, even though it’s the best option. That’s why seniors need to advocate for themselves. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for Fluzone High-Dose, specifically when flu season rolls around.
- Check ahead to see which locations, if any, offer it. You might have to go to a different pharmacy, but that extra step is worth it for better protection.
- Talk to your seniors’ community, local health organizations or government officials about ensuring that the best flu vaccine remains available in your area. If it’s not, push for change. Seniors deserve access to the best and most effective flu vaccines.
The time to act is now
Flu season may be ending, but planning for next year starts today. As public health officials and health care providers make decisions about which flu vaccines to order for the fall, this is the time for seniors and their families to speak up.
The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is the best option for older adults, and it should be the first choice. If it’s not available in your area, now is the time to start asking why, and advocating for better access to it.
The flu may be seasonal, but protection is a year-round effort. Make sure you, and the seniors in your life, get the best possible protection. Because when it comes to your health, you deserve the best.
To learn more, visit praxushealth.ca.
