A substantial real-world study has underlined the efficacy of both adjuvanted and high-dose influenza vaccines in individuals aged 65 and above. The research involved more than 430,000 adults from 65 different healthcare facilities, essentially reinforcing the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines nuancing that both vaccines are suitable options for this demographic at high risk of severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalizations and death. This underscores the need for effective vaccination strategies among infection preventionists, long-term care facilities, and healthcare systems.
Mendel Haag, PhD, a senior director at the Center of Outcomes Research & Epidemiology in Global Medical Affairs at CSL Seqirus, shares his insight in a Q&A session with Infection Control Today (ICT). His discussion addresses the operational impact of the study’s findings, difficulties in promoting influenza vaccine acceptance among older adults, the significance of real-world vaccine efficacy research, and the role healthcare professionals can play in dispelling vaccine misinformation and hesitancy.
Haag notes that the results of the study bolster the confidence of healthcare systems and long-term care facilities in operationalizing existing vaccination recommendations. This is because the comparable effectiveness demonstrated by both adjuvanted and high-dose influenza vaccines enables their interchangeable use in vaccination programs, allowing facilities to optimize procurement and implementation decisions based on factors such as availability, logistics, and cost.
Addressing the issue of influenza vaccination among older adults, Haag refers to access barriers, misinformation, and disinformation as some of the challenges that need tackling. He emphasizes the role of healthcare workers in making clear, routine vaccination recommendations, and underlines the need for effective communication about the serious nature of influenza and the protective role of regular vaccination.
The design of the study itself, involving large scale randomization across multiple facilities, supports its credibility. This real-world vaccine effectiveness research also provides valuable insights for infection prevention decision-making.
The study supports ACIP’s recommendation, maintaining that both adjuvanted and high-dose influenza vaccines are appropriate for adults aged 65 years and older. This flexibility is crucial for healthcare organizations, especially during vaccine procurement and supply shortages or fluctuating influenza seasons.
Discussing communication strategies, Haag suggests grounding the conversation in personal risk for older adults. Citing that 70–85% of influenza-related deaths and 50–70% of influenza-related hospitalizations occur in people aged 65 and older, he recommends framing vaccination discussion around self-protection, maintaining independence, and preserving a higher quality of life.
Looking ahead, Haag underlines the need for ongoing real-world evidence (RWE) generation, given the evolving nature of influenza viruses. This data is crucial for informing vaccination strategies and optimizing protection for vulnerable groups like older adults.