High-Dose Shots Protect Elderly, Vulnerable

The high-dose flu shot becoming more prevalent with healthcare providers throughout the Upper Cumberland.

Putnam Health Department Nursing Supervisor Kristen Reeves said this vaccine contains four times as many antigens as a normal shot. Reeves said these antigens are the part of the vaccine that helps the body build up protections for different flu viruses.

“Right now the CDC is only recommending it for those sixty-five years and older and/or if you have had a solid organ transplant or if you’re on any immunosuppressive therapies,” Reeves said. “That’s all they’re recommending it for right now.”

Reeves said the shot is recommended for those groups because they are at a higher risk of catching the flu and having more complications from it. Reeves said the high-dose shot may cause mild flu-like symptoms but it would be nothing different than the typical flu shot.

“You would think everybody would be promoted to get one,” Reeves said. “But right now the CDC is just recommending those sixty-five years and older and (if) they’ve had an organ transplant or have immunosuppressive conditions.”

Reeves said the high dose flu shot has existed for several years but this is the first year that the health department has offered it.

“You can walk in here any time and get the high-dose flu shot while quantities last,” Reeves said. “We’re really promoting the high-dose flu shot.”