clinical practice the influenza antigens in comparison with standard-dose vaccines . Several studies have shown that this strategy induces higher antibody response in older adults .
The laTesT news and resources for healThcare professionals
Please call 02 9936 8666 or email subs @ apned . com . au to find out more .
clinical practice the influenza antigens in comparison with standard-dose vaccines . Several studies have shown that this strategy induces higher antibody response in older adults .
In 2022 , a high-dose influenza vaccine was available in Australia only on the private market and primarily for those aged 60 to 64 years . All adults 65 years and over are able to access an adjuvanted influenza vaccine on the National Immunisation Programme ( NIP ). Adjuvanted influenza vaccines ( i . e ., adding agents [ adjuvants ] to vaccines , with the aim of improving antibody response to vaccination )
Adjuvanted influenza vaccines contain MF59 adjuvant , an oil-in-water emulsion based on squalene , that acts by stimulating the recruitment of immune cells at the site of injection . This facilitates greater uptake , transportation and processing of the antigens , allowing for improved T-cell priming .
The addition of an adjuvant to influenza vaccine is thought to increase the magnitude of the antibody response based on a statistically significantly higher haemagglutination inhibition ( HI ) antibody titre against influenza A and B strains for adjuvanted trivalent vaccine recipients than non-adjuvanted vaccine recipients in a systematic review and meta-analysis . However , caution is required in interpreting these results because these HI antibodies have not been correlated with influenza virus protection .
Adjuvanted influenza vaccines are also believed to lead to a broader range of antibodies than standard dose non-adjuvanted vaccines because they were shown to induce higher HI antibody levels to a panel of A / H3N2 influenza strains that were related to , but distinct from the vaccine A / H3N2 strain . This may be important for protection in years when vaccine strains do not match circulating strains , though antibodies to a specific variant of influenza might not protect against either a new variant of the same type or subtype .
“ When considering flu vaccination for older adults , it is important to note that the antibody response to flu vaccination diminishes with age
The most commonly reported adverse effect was injection site pain , with the majority of events being mild or moderate and resolved within three days . Co-administration of influenza and Covid vaccines
In 2023 , both flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are important for older adults .
There are no longer any recommendations to separate these two vaccines – they can be given in opposite arms on the same day . Giving both at the same time is “ safe ” and “ does not affect an individual ’ s immune response to either vaccine ”. ■
subscribe for less than $ 2 a week
The laTesT news and resources for healThcare professionals
Nursing Review is essential reading for anyone involved in the healthcare sector in Australia . It provides unrivalled coverage of specialist topics from features and opinion pieces , to international news and profiles .
• Latest news and resources for all healthcare professionals
• Comprehensive coverage of a diverse range of topics
• Analysis of the major issues facing the health sector as a whole
• Delivered free of charge
• 6 issues per year
• Only publication in the country dedicated to reporting issues important to nurses
Please call 02 9936 8666 or email subs @ apned . com . au to find out more .
nursingreview . com . au | 21