flu shot

[wurm]

So now I have to decide which flu shot to get and not just when? We're going on vacation in a few weeks and I'm trying to decide whether to get my flu shot before we leave or wait until we get back on the 30th. In researching, I find this tidbit:

Because adults ages 65 and up have the highest risk of severe illness from flu, they should ask for certain shots that produce a stronger immune response than a standard flu vaccine. The CDC recommends three options for this age group: Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok or Fluad. The first two are high-dose vaccines, meaning they contain a greater amount of antigen, an ingredient that triggers an immune response. Fluad, meanwhile, contains an ingredient that helps boost the immune response, called an adjuvant.

“You have to really shop around and figure out where that’s available, because it won’t be available everywhere,” said Amanda Joy, a physician assistant at MedStar Health, a health care provider in the Washington, D.C., area. She suggested calling ahead to doctor’s offices or pharmacies.

Usually I just get the one that's offered. Has anyone here been able to choose?

[rgG]

They just give me the “senior” shot at Publix.
I don’t recall ever having a choice other than that.
I thought adjuvants were a problem with the vaccines my cat used to get, so I am surprised to hear they are a feature and not a bug.

I plan to get the flu shot in a few weeks and will take whatever is offered at Publix. The flu shot is sort of hit or miss each year, as far as being on target for the strains that actually show up, so I figure I won’t be too picky.

[Tiangou]

rgG wrote:
I thought adjuvants were a problem with the vaccines my cat used to get, so I am surprised to hear they are a feature and not a bug...

An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response. Pretty much all modern vaccines are made with them. Even vaccines that use live (weakened) viruses will have adjuvants.

Some people/creatures have rare/unusual reactions to some types of adjuvants. Might get more pain at the injection-site, rash or a fever from them. It's rare.

[DavidS]

My office uses the Fluad brand for our adults over 65 years old.
The "youngsters" get Fluzone.
Go ahead and get it now if you have upcoming travel planned.

One thing to note is that all Flu vaccines this year will be Trivalent. In the past, we've had both Trivalent and Quadrivalent. The CDC recommended removing one strain that has not been seen in the USA in several years.

"The influenza B/Yamagata vaccine component in flu vaccines is being removed because influenza B/Yamagata viruses have not been detected after March 2020, using global surveillance for actively circulating influenza viruses."

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/differen...ccines.htm

[Forrest]

I would get the flu shot now. It’s too easy to pickup the bug while in close proximity to lots of other people.

I have no opinion as to which one you should get. Ask your doctor.

[Speedy]

We got the high dose. Our pharmacist asked if we wanted it or the regular which I thought was strange.

[TLB]

It seems that since I've been eligible for the senior dose, it has been out of stock when I go for my shot.

[wurm]

Thanks, all. I don't see a way to check before making an appointment, so I'll have to trust that they'll see I'm an old fart and administer accordingly.