What Fluad is and who should consider it
Fluad is an enhanced trivalent influenza vaccine that contains an adjuvant. In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) recommends Fluad for people aged 65 years and older, as a preferential choice for protection against seasonal flu. The HAS considers adjuvanted vaccines like Fluad to be a strong option for this age group, and it positions them on par with high‑dose vaccines such as Efluelda when it comes to protecting older adults from severe influenza. In practical terms, Fluad aims to deliver stronger and longer-lasting protection for seniors, a population particularly vulnerable to serious flu outcomes.
Why seniors need extra protection against influenza
As people age, the immune system often becomes less responsive, a phenomenon known as immunosenescence. This makes older adults more susceptible to infection and more likely to experience severe flu requiring hospitalization or even resulting in death. An adjuvanted vaccine like Fluad is designed to counteract this diminished responsiveness by boosting the body’s immune reaction to the vaccine antigens and sustaining immunity over time.
How Fluad works and what it contains
Fluad is a trivalent vaccine, including two influenza A antigens and one influenza B antigen, in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendations. It also contains a patented adjuvant engineered to amplify and prolong the immune response. The goal is to enhance protection specifically for people aged 65 and older, aligning with the needs of a population at higher risk for severe influenza complications.
Evidence of impact: hospitalizations and severe outcomes
HAS assessments draw on data from several countries, including the United States and parts of Europe, where adjuvanted and high‑dose vaccines have been compared with standard, non‑adjuvanted formulations. In its May 9 opinion, HAS highlighted that adjuvanted vaccines like Fluad can offer tangible protection benefits, including reductions in hospitalizations due to influenza. Studies cited in these reviews report hospitalisation reductions in the range of roughly 15–25% when compared with standard‑dose vaccines, suggesting a meaningful improvement in protection for older adults.
Seasonal context: vaccination coverage and public health goals
Despite these advantages, vaccination coverage among those aged 65 and older remains below optimal targets. For the 2024‑2025 season, HAS notes a vaccination rate around 53.7% among seniors, slightly down from the previous season, and well below the World Health Organization’s target of 75%. The influenza vaccination campaign typically begins mid‑October (for the 2024‑2025 season, starting October 14), aligning with broader efforts to reduce the burden of flu in the elderly and those at risk from secondary infections or COVID‑19 co‑infections.
Choosing between Fluad and other options
HAS considers adjuvanted vaccines like Fluad and high‑dose vaccines like Efluelda as equivalent options for protecting people aged 65 and older. The choice between them can depend on individual risk factors, prior vaccine responses, supply, and shared decision‑making with a healthcare professional. The key message is that seniors have effective options beyond standard‑dose, non‑adjuvanted vaccines, and receiving any approved influenza vaccine substantially reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Practical guidance for seniors and caregivers
Adults aged 65 and older should discuss their vaccination with their general practitioner or pharmacist, especially if they have chronic conditions or have had a suboptimal response to past flu vaccines. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of severe influenza, hospital admissions, and death. When available, Fluad offers an evidence‑based option that addresses the unique needs of the aging immune system, complementing other protective measures during flu season.
Bottom line
For the 65+ population, Fluad represents a targeted strategy to strengthen and extend protection against influenza. While individual vaccine choices should be discussed with a clinician, the HAS endorsement of adjuvanted and high‑dose vaccines alike underscores the public health priority: reducing hospitalizations and safeguarding seniors during the annual flu season.
