Specialized Flu Vaccines for Seniors 65+
For adults aged 65 and older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific influenza vaccines designed to produce a stronger immune response. This is crucial because the immune system weakens with age, a process known as immunosenescence, making older adults more vulnerable to severe flu-related complications. The three types of vaccines preferentially recommended for this demographic are high-dose, adjuvanted, and recombinant flu shots. These are designed to be more effective than standard-dose vaccines for seniors.
The High-Dose Flu Vaccine
One of the most well-known options for seniors is the high-dose flu vaccine, with the brand name Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent. This vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen—the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to produce antibodies—as a standard flu shot. The higher dose is intended to create a more robust immune response, providing better protection against influenza. Multiple studies have shown that Fluzone High-Dose is more effective than standard-dose vaccines at preventing the flu and reducing the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalizations in adults aged 65 and older. It is produced by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and is an inactivated (killed) vaccine.
The Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine
Another option is the adjuvanted flu vaccine, known by the brand name Fluad Quadrivalent. This vaccine contains the same amount of antigen as a standard flu shot but includes an added ingredient called an adjuvant. The adjuvant, in this case MF59®, is an oil-in-water emulsion that boosts the immune system's response to the vaccine. The addition of the adjuvant helps the body create a more potent and longer-lasting immunity. Research has indicated that adjuvanted flu vaccines are also more effective than standard-dose vaccines in older adults and have been associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for flu and pneumonia. Like the high-dose option, Fluad is an inactivated, egg-based vaccine approved for those 65 years and older.
The Recombinant Flu Vaccine
The third type of specialized vaccine is the recombinant flu vaccine, sold under the brand name Flublok Quadrivalent. What makes this vaccine unique is its manufacturing process. It is made using recombinant DNA technology, which means it is created in a lab without using actual flu viruses. This process makes it an egg-free option, which is important for individuals with severe egg allergies. It also contains three times the amount of hemagglutinin (HA) antigen compared to standard-dose vaccines. Flublok is approved for use in adults 18 years and older, including those 65 and older. Studies show it generates a stronger immune response than standard-dose vaccines.
Comparison Table of Flu Vaccines for Seniors
To help differentiate the options, here is a comparison of the three preferred flu vaccines for people 65 and older.
| Feature | Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent | Fluad Quadrivalent (Adjuvanted) | Flublok Quadrivalent (Recombinant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Contains four times the amount of antigen compared to standard vaccines to induce a stronger immune response. | Contains a standard amount of antigen but adds an adjuvant (MF59) to boost the immune response. | Made using recombinant technology; contains three times the amount of HA antigen as standard vaccines. |
| Egg-Free | No, typically egg-based. | No, typically egg-based. | Yes, egg-free. |
| Immune Response | Significantly stronger than standard-dose vaccines. | Potent, stronger immune response than standard-dose vaccines. | Stronger immune response than standard-dose vaccines. |
| Efficacy | Clinically proven to be more effective than standard-dose vaccines in preventing flu and related complications. | Studies suggest it may offer better protection against hospitalization and pneumonia compared to standard-dose shots. | Shown to be more effective than standard-dose vaccines in older adults. |
| Common Side Effects | May have slightly more frequent side effects, such as pain, redness, muscle aches, and headache. | May have slightly more frequent side effects, including pain, tiredness, and headache. | Side effects similar to standard vaccines. |
Understanding the Need for Stronger Vaccines
As people get older, their immune systems change in a way that makes them less responsive to vaccines. The level of protective antibodies produced in response to a standard flu shot can be lower than in younger adults, and that protection can wane more quickly. This reduced effectiveness is a significant concern, as adults over 65 are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications, such as pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke. The specialized vaccines address this by amplifying the immune response, either by increasing the amount of antigen (high-dose) or by adding an immune-boosting adjuvant (adjuvanted). The CDC’s preferential recommendation for these stronger formulations reflects the scientific consensus on how to best protect this vulnerable population.
What if a preferred vaccine is not available?
While the CDC recommends one of these three specialized vaccines for adults 65 and older, it's more important to get a flu shot than to wait for a specific type. If a preferred high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant vaccine is not immediately available, any other age-appropriate inactivated influenza vaccine should be administered. Any flu vaccine offers some protection and is better than no vaccination at all. The timing of the vaccine is also a consideration. Older adults should aim for vaccination in September or October to maximize protection throughout the flu season, as the vaccine’s effectiveness can decrease over time.
Conclusion
For those wondering what is the flu shot for 65 and older called?, the answer is not a single product but rather three distinct types of vaccines preferentially recommended by the CDC: high-dose (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent), adjuvanted (Fluad Quadrivalent), and recombinant (Flublok Quadrivalent). These formulations are designed to stimulate a more powerful and effective immune response in older adults whose immune systems are naturally weaker. Making an informed decision with a healthcare provider about which option is best can help seniors reduce their risk of severe illness and complications during flu season. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting an annual flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent influenza for this age group, regardless of the specific type received.
