What is the latest flu shot for seniors? Understanding your high-dose options

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 65 and older bear the greatest burden of severe seasonal flu disease. Because of this increased risk, the CDC preferentially recommends specific flu vaccines, so it is important to know what is the latest flu shot for seniors.

Quick Summary

The CDC recommends that seniors aged 65 and older receive one of three enhanced flu vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, or Flublok. These are formulated to provide a stronger immune response than a standard-dose shot.

Key Points

• Enhanced Vaccines Recommended: For the 2025-2026 season, the CDC preferentially recommends three enhanced flu vaccines for adults 65 and older: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, and Flublok.

• High-Dose Vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose): Contains four times the amount of antigen to stimulate a stronger immune response.

• Adjuvanted Vaccine (Fluad): Uses an adjuvant to boost the body's immune reaction to the vaccine.

• Recombinant Vaccine (Flublok): An egg-free option with higher antigen content, suitable for those with egg allergies.

• Timing is Key: It is recommended that older adults get their flu shot in September or October to ensure peak protection during the height of flu season.

• Standard Shot is a Good Alternative: If an enhanced vaccine is unavailable, a standard-dose, age-appropriate flu shot is still recommended.

• Nasal Spray Not for Seniors: The nasal spray flu vaccine, FluMist, is not recommended for adults 50 and older.

Latest Flu Shots for Adults 65+ (2025-2026 season)

For the 2025-2026 flu season, the CDC prefers three enhanced flu vaccines for older adults due to their potential for greater effectiveness compared to standard-dose vaccines in preventing flu and its complications in this age group.

• High-Dose Inactivated Vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose): Contains four times the standard antigen amount to boost the immune response in older adults.
• Adjuvanted Inactivated Vaccine (Fluad): Uses an adjuvant (MF59®) to enhance the immune response to the standard antigen dose.
• Recombinant Vaccine (Flublok): An egg-free vaccine made with recombinant DNA technology. It contains three times the standard antigen and is recommended for those 65 and older, particularly those with severe egg allergies.

Comparison of Preferred Flu Vaccines for Seniors

Feature	Fluzone High-Dose (HD-IIV3)	Fluad (aIIV3)	Flublok (RIV3)
Mechanism	High-dose antigen (4x standard).	Adjuvant (MF59®) boosts standard antigen.	Recombinant technology, 3x standard antigen.
Approval	Ages 65+.	Ages 65+.	Ages 9+, preferred for 65+.
Manufacturing	Egg-based.	Egg-based.	Egg-free.
Availability	Widely available.	Widely available.	Widely available.
Side Effects	Potentially more frequent than standard shots.	Potentially more frequent than standard shots.	Tenderness, headache, fatigue, muscle aches.
Key Benefit for Seniors	Stronger protection via higher antigen.	Stronger protection via adjuvant.	Egg-free, strong immune response.

Is an enhanced flu shot always necessary?

The CDC prefers enhanced flu shots for seniors, but if they are unavailable, any age-appropriate standard-dose shot should be given. Annual vaccination is key, and you should consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Timing and considerations for the flu vaccine

Optimal timing is crucial for flu shot effectiveness in seniors.

• September or October: Recommended for most adults, including seniors. Getting it too early might reduce protection later in the season.
• Later in the season: Still beneficial if the ideal window is missed.
• Annual vaccination: Necessary as protection wanes over time.
• Other vaccines: Can be given concurrently with other recommended vaccines like the COVID-19 booster and pneumococcal vaccine.

Conclusion: Choosing your flu vaccine

For adults 65 and older, the CDC and ACIP recommend one of three enhanced flu vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, or Flublok. These are designed for a stronger immune response, important for older adults. However, any available, age-appropriate flu shot is better than none. Discuss with your healthcare provider to find the best option for you.

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Optional Link for Further Reading: For additional details on flu vaccines for seniors, refer to the CDC's official guidance: Flu & People 65 Years and Older

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific flu shots are recommended for seniors aged 65 and over?

For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends three enhanced vaccines for the 2025-2026 season: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad, and Flublok.

What is the difference between a high-dose flu shot and a standard one?

A high-dose flu shot, like Fluzone High-Dose, contains four times the amount of antigen as a standard vaccine to produce a more robust immune response in older adults.

Are there any flu vaccines that seniors should not receive?

Yes, adults 65 and older should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist). This vaccine is not approved for this age group.

When is the best time for seniors to get their flu shot?

The ideal time for older adults to get vaccinated is during September or October. Vaccinating too early can cause immunity to wane before the end of the flu season.

If I can't get an enhanced flu shot, should I still get a standard one?

Yes, if an enhanced flu vaccine is not available, you should get any other age-appropriate flu vaccine. Medical experts state that any flu vaccine is better than none.

Does Medicare cover the cost of the high-dose flu shot?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers the cost of the flu vaccine with no out-of-pocket expenses to beneficiaries.

Can I receive the flu shot and other vaccines, like the COVID booster, at the same time?

Yes, the CDC states it is safe and effective to receive your flu shot and other recommended vaccines, like the updated COVID-19 vaccine, during the same visit.