December 28, 2009 | Health & Medicine

High Dose Flu Vaccine for Seniors Approved

Fluzone High-Dose, a seasonal vaccine for people 65 and over, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. People in this age group are at highest risk for seasonal influenza complications, the agency said in a news release.

Fluzone High-Dose is meant to prevent disease caused by influenza subtypes A and B. “This is the first influenza vaccine that uses a higher dose to induce a stronger immune response that is intended to better protect the elderly against seasonal influenza,” said Karen Midthun, acting director for the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

The vaccine received accelerated approval in order to prevent serious or life-threatening disease. Manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. is required to conduct follow-up studies to verify that that Fluzone High-Dose will decrease seasonal influenza after vaccination. Mild side effects were reported more frequently with the higher potency vaccine as compared to the standard Fluzone vaccine. These included pain, injection-site redness and swelling, headache, muscle ache and fever.

If you are sensitive to egg products or have had life-threatening reactions to prior flu shots, avoid Fluzone High-Dose.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert