Fluzone High-Dose Vaccine for Adults≥ 65 Years of Age

Flu season is just around the corner. Adults ≥ 65 years of age have a higher risk of severe illness, complications, hospitalization, and death from the flu compared to younger populations.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Fluzone High-Dose vaccine for adults ≥ 65 years.

What is Fluzone High-Dose?

Fluzone High-Dose is an inactivated quadrivalentflu vaccine that protects against 4 strains of the flu. It contains 4 times the antigen content than the standard flu vaccine formulation to cause a stronger immune response (antigens are the proteins contained in vaccines that cause an immune response). As people age there is a natural weakening of the immune system which causes older adults to become less responsive to the standard-dose flu vaccine. Fluzone High-Dose has been shown to be more efficacious than the standard-dose vaccine in adults≥ 65 years.

Influenza strains contained in Fluzone High-Dose:

A/Victoria/2570/2019(H1N1)pdm09-like virus (new strain this year)

A/Darwin/9/2021(H3N2)-like virus (new strain this year)

B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus

B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

Fluzone High-Dose vs. Fluad

Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad are both recommended for adults ≥65 years of age. NACI recommends either vaccine for this age group over the standard-dose vaccine because they are expected to be more effective than the standard-dose flu vaccine. Fluadis an inactivated trivalent flu vaccine that protects against3 strains of the flu. It contains an adjuvant to cause a stronger immune response in older adults.

Fluadis provided free for all adults ≥65 years of age in BC, and Fluzone High-Dose is provided free to adults ≥65 years of age living in long term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities.

Fluzone High-Doseside effects

Common reactions to Fluzone High-Dose vaccine include:

• Redness, tenderness and soreness at the site of injection.
• Muscle aches, tiredness or headache which are usually mild and last only 1-3 days.
• Fewer than 1 in 20 people may develop oculo-respiratory syndrome (ORS) which can cause red eyes, a cough, sore throat, or hoarseness.

Fluzone High-Dose vaccine and other vaccines

Many people are wondering if it is safe to receive a flu vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine or other vaccines. The answer is yes. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine can be given at the same time or at any time before or after any other vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine.

Fluzone High-Dose at TravelSafe Clinic

Anyone ≥65 years of age who does not qualify for a free Fluzone High-Dose vaccine can receive the vaccine at TravelSafe Clinic for purchase. TravelSafe Clinic will have a limited number of doses available in October for $85. Don’t delay, call ahead to reserve your dose of Fluzone High-Dose at 604-251-1975. We’ll then call you to book your vaccine appointment when the vaccine arrives.