For people aged 50 years old and over, influenza immunisation is very important, as the risks associated with the illness increase as you age.
As we age, our immune system deteriorates and its ability to respond to vaccines by making antibodies declines. This means that as we age we might not BE as well protected against the flu by a vaccination.
However, advances in influenza vaccine development at CSL Seqirus, has given the flu shot a boost in effectiveness (compared with the standard flu vaccine) in people aged 50 years and over by adding an adjuvant to the vaccine. In the context of vaccines, an adjuvant is an extra ingredient added to the vaccine to enhance the body's immune response.
In older people, immunisation with FLUAD has been shown to offer:
For most people, systemic side effects are comparable with the standard flu vaccine. (Some people may experience slightly more injection site pain, swelling or other local side effects).
FLUAD is also available in Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, USA and many other countries. Over 377 million doses (trivalent and quadrivalent) have been distributed worldwide. If you have any questions about FLUAD ask your healthcare professional.
FLUAD is unfunded, a charge will apply.
^Observational studies have limitations including potential for selection bias, residual confounding. Studies were conducted in different seasons with different circulating strains in patients 65 years and older. Influenza infection was not laboratory confirmed in all studies. Studies carried out in either trivalent or quadrivalent formulation; effectiveness results are applicable to both.
What is an adjuvant?
In the context of vaccines, an adjuvant is an extra ingredient added to the vaccine to enhance the body's immune response. The MF59® Adjuvant in FLUAD helps improve the effectiveness of the vaccine and can help lengthen the duration of protection compared to the standard flu shot.
FAQs
It’s normal to have questions about immunisation. Here are some of the more common questions people have about flu vaccines. If your question is not on this list, or for more detailed information, please talk to your healthcare professional.
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Your body takes a few weeks after vaccination to fully develop protection against the influenza virus.
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Your body takes a few weeks after vaccination to fully develop protection against the influenza virus.
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Yes, because the influenza virus is constantly changing, so flu vaccines need to be changed to match the strains that are most likely to arrive in New Zealand for each flu season. Added to that, protection from the vaccine does ‘wear out’ over time, which is another reason why it’s important to have your annual flu vaccine.
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FLUAD is what is known as a trivalent vaccine. Put simply, it means that the vaccine helps protect against three strains of influenza. The strains in the vaccine are chosen each year by the World Health Organisation based on modelling that predicts the strains most likely to affect the southern hemisphere.
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Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine.
If you have been vaccinated, when you come into contact with the influenza virus, your body will recognise the virus and fight against it.
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The vaccine is given by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, as an injection given into the muscle, usually in the upper arm.
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Yes, you can get these at the same time. The vaccines will be administered into different limbs.
Don’t let the flu put your health at risk - talk to your healthcare provider today
FLUAD® is an inactivated influenza vaccine, with an MF59® Adjuvant. FLUAD® is an unfunded Prescription Medicine, charges will apply, you will need to pay for this vaccine. FLUAD® is for active immunisation against influenza for people aged 50 years and older. Each dose contains 45 micrograms/0.5 mL of surface antigens from three influenza virus strains. FLUAD® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if FLUAD® is right for you. Common side effects: injection site reactions e.g. pain, swelling, and redness, warmth, burning or stinging, bruising. Fatigue, headache, aching muscles or joints, diarrhoea, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever. Very rarely, Guillain-Barré syndrome (feeling weak, numbness and tingling in your limbs). Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine, egg or to any of the listed ingredients for FLUAD®. If you experience side effects after being given FLUAD®, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. Additional product consumer information on FLUAD® can be found at www.medsafe.govt.nz, CSL Seqirus, Auckland or 0800 502 757. FLUAD® is a registered trademark of Seqirus UK Ltd and its affiliates. 10/25. NZ-FLU-25-0006. TAPS NP23861 INSIGHT 13791
To report an adverse event to a CSL Seqirus product click here