High-dose flu shot available for seniors
A high-dose flu shot, with brand name Fluzone is now CDC-recommended for seniors age 65 and older.
It contains four times as much flu virus antigen (the part of the vaccine that stimulates the immune system) as standard flu vaccines. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine gives older people a better immune response and better protection from the flu.
The CDC estimates that about 70 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths are attributed to people age 65 years and older, with a range of 54 to 70 present of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in this age group.
One study found almost 25 percent fewer cases of influenza in adults age 65 and older who took the high-dose vaccine compared with those who took the standard vaccine.