Standard Vaccine (quadrivalent) vs. High Dose Vaccine (quadrivalent)
With age comes a great many things: wisdom, maturity, beauty… And also a weaker immune system! This places adults over the age of 65 at greater risk for severe complications from influenza (flu).
Prevention is an important step to keeping healthy this flu season, and getting a flu vaccine is crucial. A quadrivalent flu vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
|
Standard Dose (Quadrivalent) |
High Dose (Quadrivalent) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Protection | 2 influenza A viruses + 2 influenza B viruses (broader protection with both B viruses included in vaccine) |
2 influenza A + 2 influenza B Contains four times the amount of antigen (prompts the body to make antibodies) contained in regular flu shots, to create a stronger immune response. |
| Vaccine Types | Standard shot – age 6 months and above |
High-Dose shot – designed specifically for age 65 and above |
| Side Effects | Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; fever (low grade); aches | Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; fever (low grade); aches; headache; potential for increased local side effects |
Flu Season
In the US, flu activity peaks in January and February, but can begin as early as October and continue as late as May. Vaccines take 2 weeks to build immunity in the body.
Safety
Flu vaccines are safe. Vaccine viruses used are inactivated (“killed”) or weakened and CANNOT cause influenza.
Effectiveness
60% less likely to need treatment for flu after get vaccination. Also reduces other illnesses, antibiotic use, time off work, hospitalizations, and deaths.
NOTE: Public Health experts have not recommended one type of flu vaccine more highly than another for people 65 and older. They advise getting any type of flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.