One-time flu shot does not offer adequate immune response, therefore it is best for cancer patients at risk for influenza to take a high-dose flu vaccine.
This Year's Flu Vaccine is Better Than Last Year: United States CDC
Last season, the predominant flu strain was H3N2, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland variant, and the vaccine was not well equipped to fight it.
Last season, the predominant flu strain was H3N2, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland variant, and the vaccine was not well equipped to fight it.
‘Individuals affected with cancer must receive a high-dose flu vaccine followed by a second high-dose booster shot one month later to reduce risk of flu infections.
’
The Yale Cancer Center researchers' strategy entails offering patients a high-dose flu vaccine followed by a second high-dose booster shot one month later. The high-dose vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) was approved in 2009 by the FDA as a single dose for adults over 65. The booster strategy lowered the flu infection rate among patients to 6 percent versus an expected rate of 20 percent, and it improved protection against all flu strains covered by the vaccine in 66 percent of patients, said first author Andrew Branagan.
Using an approved flu vaccine in a novel dosing schedule yielded promising results for a group of patients at high risk for infection, Branagan said. The findings were presented Dec. 6 at the 57th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Orlando, Florida.
Soon, New Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Effective for Kids Under Two, Adults Over 49
Flu vaccines are less effective in people as they age and those over the age of 60 are more likely to get the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications.
Flu vaccines are less effective in people as they age and those over the age of 60 are more likely to get the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications.
Heath Department Organizes Special Flu Vaccination Clinics for Children in Maryland, USA
Flu strain becomes widespread during the Christmas/New Year's holidays. Therefore the special clinics are organized for children to get flu shots in time.
Flu strain becomes widespread during the Christmas/New Year's holidays. Therefore the special clinics are organized for children to get flu shots in time.
High Dose Influenza Shots Reduces Risk of Hospitalization in Older People
If given to all approximately 1.5 million nursing home residents, a 1% drop in hospitalizations would translate to thousands fewer being hospitalized.
If given to all approximately 1.5 million nursing home residents, a 1% drop in hospitalizations would translate to thousands fewer being hospitalized.
