If you are 65 years or older, the CDC recommends that you get one of three specific flu vaccines this year: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Fluad Quadrivalent, or Flublok Quadrivalent. Based on its review of studies, the agency concluded that these vaccines are potentially more effective in older people, who have less of an immune response to regular flu vaccines. Previously, the CDC had not indicated a preference for one type of flu vaccine over another for seniors.
Quadrivalent flu vaccines protect against four different flu viruses compared to the previous trivalent vaccines, which protected against three. (All flu vaccines are now quadrivalent, not just for seniors). Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent contains four times more antigen than standard-dose vaccines; antigens are the vaccine component that helps you build antibodies to protect against viruses. Fluad Quadrivalent contains an adjuvant (MF59), an ingredient added to create a stronger immune response to the vaccine. These two vaccines may cause slightly more side effects that are mild and temporary than standard-dose, unadjuvanted flu shots. Flublok Quadrivalent is a recombinant vaccine that was developed to provide an enhanced immune response in older people.
All three of these vaccines give a good immune response, so you don’t have to worry about which one to get.
Vaccination in this older age group is especially important since, as immune defenses generally decline with age, seniors are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications and account for 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths, according to the CDC.
Whatever age you are, it’s generally recommended that you get your flu shot in September or October—though if you miss that time frame, getting vaccinated by November or even later is still advised. The CDC recommends flu shots for almost everyone ages six months and older. People under 65 can get any age-appropriate flu vaccine that is available to them.
