Eflulueda and Flad Vaccines Recommended for Over 65s After Epidemic

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Will Enhanced Flu Vaccines Like Efluelda and Fluad Revolutionize Senior Care in the US?

Are we on the cusp of a new era in flu prevention for our aging population? Recent recommendations in France are sparking a global conversation about the effectiveness of enhanced influenza vaccines, specifically Efluelda (Sanofi) and fluad (Vifor Laboratory), for individuals aged 65 and over. Could these vaccines, designed for greater efficacy, be the key to reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates in the US during flu season?

The French Recommendation: A Turning Point?

The high Authority for Health (HAS) in France has shifted its stance, now advocating for the preferential use of Efluelda and Fluad over standard-dose vaccines for seniors.This decision follows a particularly severe 2024-2025 flu season that highlighted the limited effectiveness of existing vaccines in protecting the elderly.The HAS cited new data demonstrating a 15% to 25% increase in efficacy in reducing hospitalizations and lab-confirmed influenza cases wiht these enhanced vaccines.

Rapid Fact: The CDC estimates that between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older.

Efluelda and Fluad: what Makes Them Different?

Both Efluelda and Fluad are designed to elicit a stronger immune response in older adults, whose immune systems naturally weaken with age (a process called immunosenescence). Efluelda is a high-dose vaccine, containing four times the amount of antigen found in standard flu shots. Fluad, on the other hand, contains an adjuvant, a substance that boosts the immune system’s response to the vaccine.

High-Dose vs. adjuvanted: Understanding the Science

The increased antigen in Efluelda aims to overcome the age-related decline in immune function, prompting a more robust antibody response. Fluad’s adjuvant acts like a “helper” molecule, stimulating immune cells and enhancing the vaccine’s overall effectiveness. Both approaches have shown promise in clinical trials, but the French recommendation highlights a growing consensus about their potential benefits.

Expert Tip: Talk to your doctor about whether a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is right for you, especially if you are over 65 or have a weakened immune system.

sanofi’s Efluelda: A History of Controversy and Potential Comeback

Interestingly, the French recommendation could pave the way for Efluelda’s return to the market. Sanofi, the manufacturer of Efluelda, had previously withdrawn the vaccine due to disagreements with health authorities over pricing. The recent shift in opinion, driven by the severity of the flu season and new efficacy data, may lead to renewed negotiations and the reintroduction of Efluelda as a key tool in protecting vulnerable populations.

The US Landscape: Are We Ready for Enhanced Flu Vaccines?

The US already offers both high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines for seniors. Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent and Fluad Quadrivalent are available, but their uptake varies. The French recommendation raises the question: Should the US be more proactive in promoting these enhanced vaccines to its aging population?

CDC Recommendations and Vaccine uptake

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently does not express a preference for any specific flu vaccine for people 65 years and older, stating that all licensed and recommended vaccines are effective. However, data suggests that uptake of high-dose and adjuvanted vaccines could be higher. Increased awareness and stronger recommendations could significantly impact hospitalization and mortality rates.

Did You Know? The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year in the US.

The Economic Impact: Preventing Hospitalizations and Reducing Healthcare Costs

Beyond the human cost, influenza places a meaningful burden on the US healthcare system. Hospitalizations, doctor visits, and lost productivity contribute to billions of dollars in annual expenses. Enhanced flu vaccines, by reducing hospitalizations among seniors, could offer considerable cost savings.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis: investing in Prevention

While high-dose and adjuvanted vaccines may have a higher upfront cost, the potential savings from preventing hospitalizations could outweigh the initial investment. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, considering both direct and indirect costs, is crucial to inform policy decisions and optimize resource allocation.

Challenges and Considerations: Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Access

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of enhanced flu vaccine strategies in the US. These include addressing potential concerns about side effects, ensuring equitable access to vaccines, and effectively communicating the benefits to both healthcare providers and the public.

Addressing Side Effects and Building Trust

Some individuals may experience more pronounced side effects with high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or muscle aches. Clear and obvious communication about potential side effects, along with reassurance about the overall safety profile of these vaccines, is essential to build trust and encourage uptake.

Ensuring Equitable Access for All Seniors

Access to enhanced flu vaccines should be equitable, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or insurance coverage. Targeted outreach programs and partnerships with community organizations can help ensure that all seniors have the possibility to receive these possibly life-saving vaccines.

The Future of flu Prevention: Personalized Approaches and Worldwide Vaccines

Enhanced Flu Vaccines for Seniors: A Game Changer? An Expert’s View

Could enhanced flu vaccines revolutionize senior care in the US? We speak with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in geriatric infectious diseases, to get her insights.

Time.news Editor: Dr. Reed, thanks for joining us. Recent news from France suggests a shift towards enhanced flu vaccines like efluelda and Fluad for seniors. What’s the buzz about?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s about efficacy. The French high Authority for Health (HAS) is now recommending these vaccines preferentially for those over 65, based on data showing a 15% to 25% increase in effectiveness in reducing hospitalizations and lab-confirmed flu cases. This is important, especially considering the particularly severe 2024-2025 flu season they experienced.

Time.news Editor: So, what makes these enhanced vaccines different from the standard flu shot?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: They’re designed to boost the immune response in older adults, whose immune systems naturally weaken with age – a process called immunosenescence. Efluelda is a high-dose vaccine, containing four times the antigen of a standard shot.[[1]] Fluad contains an adjuvant, which acts like a “helper” to stimulate the immune system.

time.news Editor: The article mentions that Efluelda had previously been withdrawn from the market due to pricing disagreements. could this recommendation change that?

dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. The renewed focus on efficacy, driven by the recent flu season and the HAS recommendation, might very well pave the way for renewed negotiations and the reintroduction of Efluelda. It highlights the ongoing discussion about the value of prevention,especially for vulnerable populations.

Time.news Editor: What about the US? We already have high-dose flu vaccines and adjuvanted options, don’t we?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Yes, we do. fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent [[1]] and Fluad Quadrivalent are both available. [[3]] The question is whether we’re proactive enough in promoting them to our aging population. The CDC currently doesn’t express a preference, stating that all licensed vaccines are effective. however, increasing awareness of enhanced flu vaccines for seniors could drastically improve outcomes.

Time.news editor: What are the potential economic benefits of prioritizing these enhanced vaccines here in the US?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: The savings could be significant. Influenza places a substantial burden on our healthcare system, with billions spent annually on hospitalizations and related costs. Reducing hospitalizations among seniors through more effective vaccination is a worthwhile investment and contributes to lowering healthcare costs across the board.

Time.news Editor: Are there any challenges we need to consider in implementing a wider strategy for enhanced flu vaccines?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Several. We need to address potential concerns about side effects, as some individuals may experience more noticeable reactions with high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines. Open, honest interaction about these possibilities is crucial. Also,equitable access is paramount. Everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or location, should have the prospect to benefit from these vaccines.

Time.news Editor: What’s your advice to our readers, particularly those over 65 or with weakened immune systems?

Dr.Evelyn Reed: Talk to your doctor. [[2]] Discuss whether a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is right for you. Understand the potential benefits and discuss any concerns you might have. Being informed is the best way to protect yourself during flu season. The increased protection of senior flu shots is valuable, especially those preferentially recommended like Fluzone and Fluad. [[3]] These vaccines decrease flu-related deaths and hospitalizations compared to standard flu shots. [[3]]