There is an alternative vaccine that is now available for adults who are 65 years and older. This vaccine is just a higher dose of the normal flu vaccine. As mentioned above, when you are 65 or older, then you are more likely to get the flu and/or have bad complications if you do get it. Because it is sometimes harder for those over age 65 to build up an immune response from the flu shot, the high-dose vaccine was made to provide better protection against getting the flu. It has been shown to provide a better response from the body’s immune system than the standard dose vaccine. After this flu season (2010-2011) we will know exactly how much better it is at actually preventing the flu.
- If you are younger than 65 years, then getting the standard flu vaccine each year will protect you.
- If you are older than 65 years, then you can choose whether you want to get the standard flu shot or the high-dose flu shot.
Getting the high-dose flu shot just like getting the standard flu shot. Side effects are slightly more common with the high-dose flu shot, but are not necessarily more severe. Pain from getting the injection is the most common side effect for both vaccines, but is slightly more common with the high-dose vaccine. Only about 1/3 of those people reported pain after injection, and it was usually mild.
The flu shot and high-dose flu shot both are dead viruses and cannot give you the flu. It is a common misconception that you can get sick from a vaccine. It takes 2 weeks to build up full immunity after a vaccine. Therefore, if you come in contact with the flu right before or after your flu shot, then it is still possible to get sick.
Leah Belcher, PharmD candidate 2011
