Why Should People Ages 65+ Get a Stronger Flu Vaccine?

If you are age 65 or older, Joe Gastaldo, MD, System Medical Director for Infectious Disease, explains why you are eligible for a stronger flu vaccine for a better layer of protection.

Unfortunately, as you get older, your immune system does not respond as well to vaccines. For the first time ever, we now have the official CDC recommendation that those above the age of 65 get a stronger flu shot.

We really have two options. There’s a shot called Influenza HD. HD means “High Dose”. There’s also a type of flu shot that stimulates the immune system better. Why is that important? “Well, like I said, as you get older, your immune system doesn’t respond as well,” Dr. Gastaldo explains. “But these types of vaccines give a better antibody response and better immune response to those 65 and older and provide a better layer of protection for them.”