What are the differences between FLUAD® and FLUZONE® High-Dose Quadrivalent influenza vaccines?

FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT both enhance the immune response to influenza antigens in older adults (making them potentially more effective vaccines for this age group), but they do this in different ways. 

 

FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT contains a four-fold higher antigen content per dose than standard dose influenza vaccines to help create a stronger immune response. It is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning that it protects against four strains of influenza virus. This vaccine is publicly funded (free) for adults 65 years of age and older living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities. 

 

FLUAD® has the same antigen content per strain as standard formulation influenza vaccines, but contains an adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response. It is a trivalent vaccine, meaning that it protects against three strains of influenza virus.This vaccine is publicly funded for all other adults 65 years of age and older.

 

Both FLUAD® and FLUZONE® HIGH-DOSE QUADRIVALENT are given by intramuscular (IM) injection (injected into the deltoid muscle in the upper arm).