Influenza immunisation in those 65+ years is challenging
Immunosenescence, which is the age related decline in immune response, and strain mismatch can lower influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults 65 years and older.1
Adults 65 years and older may be less able to mount a sufficient protective response to standard flu vaccine, leaving them more vulnerable to contracting influenza and developing associated complications.1
People aged 65 years and older, experience worse outcomes in response to influenza infection. They are more susceptible to hospitalisations as a result of infection, as well as an increased severity of influenza infection often due to comorbidities and therefore a decreased quality of life and increased rate of mortality.2-6
Reference: 1. Monto AS, Ansaldi F, Aspinall R, et al. Influenza control in the 21st century: optimizing protection of older adults. Vaccine. 2009;27(37):5043-5053. 2. Gavazzi G, et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2002;2:659-666. 3. Thompson WW, et al. JAMA. 2004;292:1333-1340. 4. McElhaney JE. Vaccine. 2005;23(suppl 1):S10-S25. 5. Thompson WW, et al. JAMA. 2003;289:179-186. 6. Sprenger MJ, et al. Int J Epidemiol. 1993;22:334-340.