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Choose a high-dose flu shot specially formulated for those 65 and over

As we age, our bodies change and so do our immune systems.

That’s why Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent is specially formulated for people 65 years of age and older.

Provincial availability of the higher-dose influenza vaccine as part of publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccine programs (2024)

Getting your flu shot can help prevent influenza.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that, when available, high-dose inactivated, adjuvant inactivated, or recombinant flu vaccines should be used over other flu vaccines. If a preferred product is not available, any of the available age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used.

All seniors deserve access to flu vaccines.

About Fluzone® High-Dose

A higher dose specifically formulated for adults 65+

As you age, your immune system weakens. Which means your antibody response to vaccines isn’t as high as it used to be. Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine is made for people 65+

The Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine provides 4x the amount of antigens (killed virus particles) for each influenza strain contained in the vaccine compared to standard-dose influenza vaccines. The higher dose is intended to give people 65 years and older a better immune response and, therefore, better protection against the flu.

Specially formulated for those over 65

💡 Did you know?

Influenza vaccines are updated annually to keep up with changing flu viruses.

Possible side effects to know about

The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza because it does not contain any live virus.

The most common side effect is pain where you got the injection and muscle pain. There may be others such as headache and malaise (feeling unwell), injection site redness and swelling, and shivering.

Serious side effects and what to do about them

Talk to your healthcare professional in all cases if any of the following RARE side effects occur:

  • Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, dizziness, a weak and rapid pulse, skin rash)

  • Allergic reaction (Rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body) 

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel after taking Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

If you’re an adult over 65, ask your healthcare provider about the Fluzone® High‑Dose vaccine

Use the following questions to find out more from your doctor or pharmacist

  • What’s the difference between Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine and Fluzone® Quadrivalent vaccine?

  • Should everyone 65 years of age and older get the higher-dose flu vaccine, or are there some exceptions?

  • Are there any precautions I should take when getting a higher-dose flu vaccine?

  • Are there more side effects associated with a higher dose?

Check Patient materials to learn more about Fluzone® High-Dose

Fluzone® High-Dose

If you’re an adult over 65, ask your healthcare provider about the about Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine

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Indication and safety information:

Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent is a vaccine used to prevent influenza in adults 65 years of age and older. Influenza (or flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus. Annual vaccination using the current vaccine is recommended for prevention against influenza as immunity declines in the year following vaccination and because circulating strains of influenza virus change from year to year. Persons with a history of severe allergic reaction to eggs or egg products or any component of Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent should not receive the vaccine. 

Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent will only protect against the strains of influenza virus contained in the vaccine or those that are closely related. Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent will not protect against any other strains of influenza virus. Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent is not indicated for the prevention of hospitalization or death or to reduce the risk of complications after the onset of disease. As with all vaccines, Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent does not protect 100% of people immunized. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, muscle ache. Allergic reactions can occur. Contact your healthcare provider to see if this vaccine is right for you. For more information, visit www.sanofi.ca.