Should You Get an Enhanced Flu Shot?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older. In June 2022 at the recommendation of an independent panel of experts, the CDC updated their guidance regarding flu vaccines for adults 65 years and older to now get immunized with what’s known as a high-dose or adjuvanted vaccine. The enhanced high-dose flu vaccine helps this age group to have a stronger immune system response against influenza, commonly called the flu.  

The recommendation for the stronger dose of protection is based on research collected by the CDC, which shows standard-dose flu vaccines simply don’t work as well in older adults as they do in younger populations. Moreover people 65 years and older are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, resulting in hospitalizations and even death. Statistics show approximately 70 to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older. High dose flu vaccines are updated every year to address the seasonal strain of the virus. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Some high-dose flu vaccines include 3 to 4 times as much flu virus antigen — the part of the vaccine that stimulates the immune system — as standard flu vaccines. One flu vaccine recommended for older adults has the same amount of antigen as the standard dose vaccine; but boosts the immune response by including an ingredient called an adjuvant.” Talk to your medical care provider about which flu vaccine they recommend you get. 

MorningStar at Silver Lake’s senior housing in Everett, WA offers adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle in which they can comfortably and safely age in place. Our community provides independent living and assisted living with private apartments in a choice of studio and one- and two bedroom configurations. With all of our renovations complete, we encourage you to set up a tour to come in and see our beautiful “new” community. Please ask about Move-in Specials.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/fluzone/faq-20058032