Every year, the flu kills 10,000 people in France, including 9,000 over the age of 65. Aging and the increased frequency of comorbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, etc.) make seniors a particularly sensitive target for influenza viruses. In addition to a risk of mortality, seniors must also face complications: acute respiratory distress syndrome, bacterial superinfection, decompensation of comorbidities, functional dependence… “Between 2012 and 2017, half of the patients hospitalized for influenza were aged 60 and over” underlines the Sanofi Pasteur laboratory.
Efluelda: a more highly dosed vaccine
In people aged 65 and over, the anti-influenza vaccines used until now provide a suboptimal immune response compared to that observed in young adults, due in particular to the progressive deterioration of the immune system, which lasts with age. To compensate for what is called the “phenomenon of immunosenescence”, a new, more highly dosed vaccine (Efluelda from the Sanofi Pasteur laboratory) has obtained marketing authorization. It contains four strains of influenza virus: two type A (H1N1 and H3N2) and two type B. Its use is recommended for people aged 65 and over.
Why a “high dose” vaccine for seniors?
The high-dose (HD) influenza vaccine is now authorized and recommended in its trivalent form in several countries (notably Australia, Canada, United States and United Kingdom). Its effectiveness was evaluated in 32,000 people aged 65 and over during two flu seasons. Compared to the standard dose vaccine, the high dose vaccine prevented 24.2% more flu cases.
This HD vaccine is available for the 2021 vaccination campaign which will start on October 26. The vaccine is 100% reimbursable by Health Insurance for all so-called “at risk” people who have received a voucher.
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