High Dose Efluelda Influenza Vaccine: A Better New Option for the Elderly

Phyathai 3

3 Min

21/03/2023

AI Translated

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High Dose Efluelda Influenza Vaccine: A Better New Option for the Elderly

Why should the elderly receive a superior influenza vaccine?

Because the elderly are considered a high-risk group for severe complications from influenza compared to younger adults. Statistics show that the elderly have an increased risk of illness and death, as well as a higher likelihood of developing various complications.

Factors that increase the risk of severe symptoms or death in the elderly when infected with influenza

The key factors that increase the risk for the elderly are…

 

1. Immunosenescence
The immune system is a mechanism that protects and helps eliminate pathogens entering the body, but immunity gradually declines with age after young adulthood. This decline is particularly evident in people aged 60 and above. The older the age, the higher the chance of illness from infections. During influenza outbreaks, there is an increase in elderly hospitalizations.

 

2. Underlying diseases
Elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer are at higher risk of complications if infected with influenza. These complications include sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and in some cases, severe symptoms leading to death.

 

3. Frailty in the elderly
Frailty is not a disease but a condition of the body that lies between functional ability and disability, and between good health and illness. It is a significant health issue commonly found in the elderly. When elderly people contract influenza, 10% lose the ability to perform daily activities independently and require assistance. Additionally, one-third of hospitalized elderly patients are unable to return to their normal activities within one year.

 

Furthermore, 50%-70% of those hospitalized often develop additional complications, leading to health deterioration, reduced quality of life, and even death. About 85% of influenza-related deaths occur in the elderly population.

High Dose Efluelda Influenza Vaccine: A new option for the elderly

Currently, the influenza vaccine used in Thailand is a quadrivalent vaccine recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older, administered once annually. However, for those aged 65 and above, there is an alternative vaccine: High Dose Efluelda quadrivalent influenza vaccine.

 

What is the High Dose Efluelda quadrivalent influenza vaccine?

The High Dose Efluelda quadrivalent influenza vaccine is an inactivated vaccine indicated for the prevention of influenza and reduction of influenza-related pneumonia hospitalizations in adults aged 65 and older. It has been used for over 10 years in the United States and Europe. Its enhanced efficacy includes:

  • Four times the amount of antigen to stimulate immunity
  • 24% increased effectiveness in preventing influenza compared to the standard dose
  • Reduced risk of hospitalization from influenza-related complications, including:
  • 27.3% additional reduction in pneumonia cases
  • 17.9% additional reduction in heart and respiratory disease cases
  • 11.7% additional reduction in influenza cases
  • 8.4% additional reduction in all influenza-related causes

Side effects and care for the elderly after receiving the influenza vaccine

Most vaccines currently in use are highly safe, though some side effects may occur. These are generally mild, acceptable, and resolve within 2-3 days. To date, more than 202 million doses of the High Dose Efluelda influenza vaccine have been administered worldwide, with ongoing safety monitoring showing no safety concerns.

 

The most common adverse reactions after vaccination include pain at the injection site, muscle pain, headache, and general discomfort. These symptoms typically occur within the first 3 days after vaccination and usually resolve within 3 days.


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