http://theexperts.ca/blog/2016/10/15/burnaby-pharmacy-ajit-johal/ 
Immunosenescence: The Impact of Influenza on Adults 65 years of age and older
As people age, they become more susceptible to influenza-related complications due to “immunosenescence”, a natural and progressive weakening of the immune system over time.
In Canada, influenza generally occurs every year in the late fall and winter months. It is estimated that between 10-20% of the population becomes infected with influenza each year (1), with the following groups having the HIGHEST RATES of INFECTION;
- Children aged 5-9
- Adults over the age of 65
- Those with underlying medical conditions
Influenza remains a serious public health concern, with up to 8,000 influenza-related deaths reported annually, and 90% of these deaths occurring in individuals over 65 years of age (2).
Why are Adults over the age of 65 at higher risk?
Immunosenescene is a heightened susceptibility to influenza-related complications in older adults due to the natural and progressive weakening of the immune system over time. As a result of immunosenescence, lower immune responses can result in;
- Increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases
- A reduction in the strength of persistence of antibody responses to vaccines (3)
Is the flu vaccine effective?
A field vaccine effectiveness (FVE) study of 10 influenza epidemic seasons for those over 65 years of age and under found a consistently lower response for people aged over 65 than for younger adults (4). As a result of immunosenescence seniors are less responsive to standard dose influenza vaccine.
In order to ensure an optimal immune response a new vaccine has been developed to account for immunosenescence, and provide better protection for seniors. This Vaccine is Fluzone High Dose.
Fluzone High Dose
Fluzone high dose contains 4 times the antigen of a standard dose influenza vaccine (60 ug vs 15 ug per dose). The vaccine has demonstrated through a large randomized study (over 30,000 patients) to be more efficacious (24.2%) than standard dosing vaccine (5).
What does this mean for you?
If you are 65 or older, consider getting the Fluzone high dose vaccine for this upcoming flu season, instead of the standard dose vaccine distributed by public health. Consider the benefits of the vaccine, but keep in mind that it is not a publically funded vaccine (cost is 65$ per dose vs public vaccine = free for those who qualify). Wilson Pharmacy will be providing both vaccines, and the pharmacy team is available to answer all of your flu/health related questions to ensure that you stay healthy this season.
2185 Wilson Avenue, Suite 3 Port Coquitlam, BC • www.wilsonpharmacy.ca
References:
1.CCDR. An advisory Committee Statememt (ACS). National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2013-2014
2.Stats Can. The 10 Leading Causes of Death, 2011. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2014001/article/11896-eng.htm. Accessed Jun 23rd 2016
3.Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Canadian Immunization Guide. General Guidelines. 2013
4.Legrand J, et al. Real-time monitoring of the influenza vaccine field effectiveness. Vaccine. 2006. 24;6605-6611
5.DiazGranados, C,. Dunning, A., Kimmel, M et al. Efficacy of High-Dose versus Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:635-45
No comments:
Post a Comment