High-Dose Flu Vaccine Offers Superior Protection Against Hospitalization and Infection

Recent research highlights the superior efficacy of the high-dose influenza vaccine (HD-IIV) compared to the standard-dose version (SD-IIV) in protecting older adults from hospitalization and infection related to influenza.

Study Insights on High-Dose Flu Vaccine

Two comprehensive studies provide compelling evidence that HD-IIV offers significant advantages over the standard formulation. The first study, published in The Lancet, focused on the hospitalization rates of older adults receiving HD-IIV versus SD-IIV.

Key Findings from the First Study

• The research included pooled data from two major trials: DANFLU-2 conducted in Denmark (2022-2025) and GALFLU in Spain (2023-2025).
• A total of 466,320 older adults participated, with an average age of 73.3 years; 48% were women.
• The study found that HD-IIV reduced hospitalization rates for flu or pneumonia to 0.56%, compared to 0.62% for SD-IIV.
• Importantly, HD-IIV was 40% more effective in preventing hospitalization overall.
• To prevent one all-cause hospitalization, approximately 515 older adults need to receive the HD-IIV.

The study results underscored the potential for the HD-IIV to ease the burden of influenza on health care systems worldwide. Researchers emphasized that transitioning to HD-IIV could substantially lower hospitalization rates in vulnerable populations.

Focus on Cardiorespiratory and Flu Hospitalizations

• Cardiorespiratory hospitalization rates were 2.02% in the HD-IIV group versus 2.16% in the SD-IIV cohort.
• Flu hospitalizations were 0.11% for HD-IIV compared to 0.16% for SD-IIV, indicating an rVE of 31.9% in favor of HD-IIV.
• Similar hospitalization rates for pneumonia were observed at 0.50% for HD-IIV and 0.51% for SD-IIV.

Enhanced Protection Against Infection

The second study, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, utilized a test-negative design to assess infection rates among older adults vaccinated during the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 flu seasons.

Key Findings from the Second Study

• The analysis involved 1,238 older adults, aged an average of 81.1 years; 52.1% were women.
• Participants vaccinated with HD-IIV confirmed lower influenza positivity rates (6.6%) compared to those receiving SD-IIV (10.3%).
• Among adults aged 80 years and older, HD-IIV proved 54% more effective against influenza infection.

The study identified a total of 102 flu cases, mainly of type A influenza, affirming the HD-IIV’s effectiveness in reducing laboratory-confirmed episodes compared to SD-IIV.

Conclusion

The findings from both studies indicate that high-dose influenza vaccines can significantly reduce hospitalization and infection rates in older populations. As health care providers and policymakers consider vaccination strategies, the HD-IIV emerges as a critical tool for enhancing immunity in vulnerable groups.