Are there different flu shots based on age? Yes, tailored vaccines are recommended for seniors and specific younger groups

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine annually, with rare exceptions. Are there different flu shots based on age? Yes, because a person's immune system changes over a lifetime, certain flu vaccines are specifically designed and recommended for different age groups to provide the best possible protection.

Quick Summary

Several different flu vaccines exist, with specific formulations for young children, adults, and seniors over 65, including high-dose and adjuvanted options. These vaccines are tailored to provide optimal protection based on a person's age and immune response. For the 2025-2026 season, all recommended flu vaccines in the US will be trivalent.

Key Points

• Age-Specific Vaccine Formulations: Because immune systems weaken with age, specific flu vaccines are formulated differently for older adults to provide a more robust protective response.

• High-Dose and Adjuvanted for Seniors: Adults 65 and older are preferentially recommended to receive high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccines, which are designed to be more effective for this high-risk group.

• Standard-Dose for Younger Populations: For people under 65, any age-appropriate inactivated vaccine, recombinant vaccine, or nasal spray vaccine (for ages 2–49) is recommended, with no preference for one over another.

• Nasal Spray Restrictions: The nasal spray vaccine (LAIV) is only approved for healthy, non-pregnant individuals aged 2 through 49 and is not recommended for older adults.

• Two Doses for Some Children: Children aged 6 months to 8 years may require two doses of the flu vaccine in a single season if they have not been previously vaccinated or have an incomplete history.

• Consideration for Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain conditions, like severe egg allergies or solid organ transplants, have specific vaccine recommendations and should consult with their healthcare provider.

Flu Vaccines for Children and Younger Adults

For people younger than 65, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one type of flu vaccine over another, provided it is age-appropriate. A variety of flu vaccine options are available for these age groups.

Dosing for children

Children 6 months through 8 years may require two doses in a season under certain circumstances. Those 9 years and older need one dose annually.

Specialized Vaccines for Adults 65 and Older

Adults 65 and older are at higher risk for severe flu complications due to weaker immune systems. To enhance their immune response, specific vaccines are preferentially recommended. These include high-dose inactivated flu vaccines, adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccines, and recombinant flu vaccines. If these preferred options aren't available, a standard-dose, age-appropriate flu shot is still recommended. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this age group.

Why are different vaccines used?

Vaccine effectiveness is influenced by the immune system, which changes with age. Standard doses are typically sufficient for younger adults, but older adults may require high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines to stimulate a stronger response and better protect against severe complications.

What if you have egg allergies or other conditions?

Egg-free options like recombinant or cell-based vaccines are available for those with severe egg allergies. Most people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine, but specific cases may need a doctor's consultation. {Link: Families Fighting Flu https://www.nfid.org/resource/influenza-vaccine-options-2023-2024-season/}.

Comparison of Flu Vaccine Types by Age Group

{Link: Families Fighting Flu https://www.nfid.org/resource/influenza-vaccine-options-2023-2024-season/}

Conclusion

Flu vaccine recommendations vary by age and health status. While standard doses protect most younger individuals, older adults benefit from specialized vaccines for enhanced protection. {Link: Families Fighting Flu https://www.nfid.org/resource/influenza-vaccine-options-2023-2024-season/}.

Resources

• Information for Older Adults: For more details on vaccine recommendations for people 65 and older, see the CDC's guidance on {Link: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm}.
• General Flu Information: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Vaccine Education Center provides comprehensive information on {Link: chop.edu https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-details/influenza-vaccine}, including details for children.
• General Flu Vaccine Information: The CDC's page on {Link: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccine-types/index.html} offers detailed descriptions of all available vaccine types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a different flu shot for people over 65?

People over 65 often have weaker immune responses to standard-dose vaccines. The flu shots preferentially recommended for this age group—high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant—are designed to create a stronger immune response, offering better protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

Can a younger adult get the high-dose flu shot?

Generally, no. High-dose flu shots are only FDA-approved for people aged 65 and older. A potential exception is for solid organ transplant recipients aged 18-64 who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, but this is considered off-label use and should be discussed with a doctor.

Does my child need one or two flu shots this season?

For the 2025-2026 season, children aged 6 months through 8 years need two doses if they have not previously received at least two flu vaccine doses given at least four weeks apart. Children aged 9 and older only need one dose.

What is an adjuvanted flu shot?

An adjuvanted flu shot, such as Fluad, contains a substance called an adjuvant that is added to enhance the immune response. It is preferentially recommended for people 65 and older to help boost their protection.

What is the nasal spray flu vaccine, and who can get it?

The nasal spray vaccine (LAIV) contains weakened live viruses and is administered as a spray into the nose. It is approved for healthy, non-pregnant individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years.

Is an egg-free flu vaccine available?

Yes, recombinant flu vaccines (Flublok) and cell-based standard-dose vaccines (Flucelvax) are produced without using eggs and are safe for those with severe egg allergies.

What is the primary difference between a standard and high-dose flu vaccine?

The primary difference is the amount of antigen they contain. A high-dose vaccine has four times the amount of antigen as a standard-dose vaccine, which provokes a stronger immune response, particularly beneficial for older adults.