Analysis of Multiple Studies on Elderly Health by Rebecca L. Morgan Published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
In a series of studies and trials, the effectiveness of enhanced flu vaccines in preventing hospitalizations among older adults has been extensively demonstrated. The findings of these studies have been published in reputable sources, including the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
One of the key findings is the reduction in hospitalizations from flu among older adults. Enhanced flu vaccines, which either contain higher levels of antigens or incorporate adjuvants to enhance the immune response, have been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization by at least 11% and up to 18% compared to standard flu shots.
A meta-analysis by Rebecca L. Morgan, an adjunct assistant professor, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, indicates that all enhanced vaccine products are superior to standard-dose vaccines in preventing hospitalizations.
High-dose (HD) vaccines, in particular, have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular complications in elderly individuals. A systematic review covering 12 influenza seasons showed reductions in hospitalizations for influenza (11.2%), respiratory causes (14.7%), and cardiovascular complications (12.8%) compared to standard-dose vaccines.
The DANFLU-1 trial further supports the use of HD influenza vaccines. This trial demonstrated that HD vaccines reduced influenza- and pneumonia-related hospitalizations by 64.4% and all-cause mortality by 48.9% compared to standard-dose vaccines among adults aged 65 and older.
The use of enhanced vaccines has a significant public health impact, particularly in preventing serious outcomes and recurrent hospitalizations among older populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends enhanced vaccines for adults 65 and older, reflecting their effectiveness in this age group.
In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the use of enhanced flu vaccines as a crucial tool in preventing hospitalizations among older adults. These vaccines offer a promising solution in protecting the most vulnerable population from the potentially severe complications of the flu. It is essential for older adults to consult with their healthcare providers about getting the enhanced flu vaccine this season.
- Enhanced flu vaccines, which show improved efficacy in preventing hospitalizations, can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to medical-conditions like chronic diseases by at least 11% and up to 18%.
- The DANFLU-1 trial, which involved adults aged 65 and older, demonstrated that enhanced vaccines significantly reduced influenza- and pneumonia-related hospitalizations, as well as all-cause mortality.
- A meta-analysis from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that all enhanced vaccine products are superior in preventing hospitalizations related to medical-conditions such as chronic diseases and cancer.
- To promote health-and-wellness, particularly among older adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends opting for enhanced flu vaccines, due to their effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations and serious health complications like heart disease (cardiovascular-health) and mental health issues.
