Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine to benefit those in retirement living communities

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new version of the flu vaccine, specially formulated to be more effective for patients who are over 65 years old.


The new vaccine, currently under the brand name Fluzone High-Dose, should be made available for the 2010-2011 flu season.


Because senior citizens are at risk for experiencing serious complications from the flu, the high-dose vaccine aims to strengthen their immune response by encouraging their bodies to produce more antibodies to the virus.

Seniors who reside in retirement living communities, assisted care facilities or in close-quarters to other at-risk populations, like young children, might consider requesting the Fluzone High-Dose.


In a study conducted to determine the effectiveness of the new formula, some participants over the age of 65 were given the high-dose vaccine while others were given the standard dose. Twenty-eight days after the shot was administered, those who had been given the new version of the vaccine had higher immunities to the flu virus.

Active living seniors who spend much of their time out and about might also greatly benefit from the added protection of the higher dosage.



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