Which Flu Vaccine Should I Get?

Both the high-dose and standard flu vaccines are designed to protect against four different flu viruses. Individuals between 6 months old and 64 should typically get the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine, while the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine is licensed and recommended for anyone over the age of 65. The high-dose vaccine contains four times the antigen as the standard dose to elicit a stronger immune response. 

With most health insurance plans, you can get a free flu shot at your doctor’s office, several pharmacies, or an urgent care center. If you don’t have insurance, Mira can help you access affordable health coverage for preventative care, urgent care, prescriptions, lab tests, and more. 

2021-2022 Flu Vaccines and Which to Get

All vaccines in the United States is administered during the  2021-2022 flu season are quadrivalent, providing protection against two influenzas A viruses and two influenza B viruses. This means the vaccine contains 4 strains of flu to offer broad protection against the strains of flu most likely to spread during the 2021-2022 flu season. Within 2 weeks of vaccination, your body will create antibodies to protect against these strains of the flu. 

Fluzone High-dose Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine for Adults 65+

The Fluzone High-dose Quadrivalent flu vaccine is an “enhanced” vaccine specifically formulated for people 65 and older. There is also the adjuvanted flu vaccine,  FLUAD quadrivalent, which has an added ingredient to help promote a better immune response. The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have not indicated a preference for one enhanced vaccine over the other.

People 65 years and older are administered an enhanced vaccine because they are at increased risk of serious complications from flu. Shoshana Fishbein, MPH, a director at Families Fighting Flu, explains, “Older individuals are at higher risk of getting sick from the flu because they typically have a weaker immune response to the flu vaccine. The high-dose flu vaccine was designed to offer them stronger protection against the flu virus.”

Evidence Behind the High-Dose Flu Vaccine 

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal found the high-dose vaccine to be 22 percent more effective than the standard dose vaccine for flu prevention among people 65 and older. Additionally, the study showed a significant reduction in flu-related hospital admissions among those who were administered the high-dose vaccine.

Fishbein adds, “High-dose vaccines are recommended for people 65 and older because their immune systems are weaker and they are more likely to die from flu. High-dose vaccines contain more flu proteins called antigens. This means that there are more of the vaccine ingredients in order for the body to create a stronger antibody response. A higher dose is necessary for people 65 and older because they comprise the majority of flu hospitalizations.”