What Fluad Is and Why It Matters for 65+
Fluad (Seqirus) is an improved trivalent influenza vaccine that includes an adjuvant. It is designed to bolster and prolong the immune response, a feature particularly important for people aged 65 and older, who face higher risks from influenza due to immunosenescence. The vaccine contains two A strain antigens and one B strain antigen, aligned with World Health Organization recommendations. In short, Fluad aims to provide stronger, longer-lasting protection for seniors during flu season.
According to its formulation, Fluad uses a patented adjuvant that helps the body mount a more robust defense against circulating flu viruses. This approach addresses the specific needs of older adults, who are more likely to experience severe illness, hospitalization, or even death from influenza.
Adjuvanted vs. Standard-Dose and High-Dose Vaccines
In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) recommends, for people aged 65 and older, preferring adjuvanted vaccines like Fluad relative to standard-dose, non-adjuvanted vaccines. The HAS also positions adjuvanted vaccines and highly dosed vaccines (such as Efluelda) as equivalently suitable options for protection in this age group. This equivalence offers flexibility in vaccine choice while maintaining strong protection for seniors.
Real-world data from several countries have suggested that adjuvanted formulations can offer meaningful protection against influenza-related infections and may reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Some studies have reported reductions in hospitalizations for influenza on the order of 15% to 25% when comparing adjuvanted or high-dose vaccines with standard-dose vaccines.
Impact on Hospitalizations and Mortality
HAS assessments emphasize the potential public health benefit of using adjuvanted vaccines for older adults. The goal is not only to prevent illness but also to reduce the risk of severe outcomes requiring hospital care. In the 2024-2025 period, France recorded more than 29,000 influenza-related hospitalizations following emergency department visits, with about 60% of those affected aged 65 and older. The season also saw around 5,000 deaths attributed to influenza, of which approximately 82% occurred in the 65+ age group. These figures underscore the importance of effective vaccination strategies for seniors.
Vaccination Coverage and the 2024-2025 Season
Overall vaccination uptake among people aged 65 and older has hovered around the mid-50s percentile in recent seasons. For the 2024-2025 season, coverage in this age group is estimated at 53.7%, modestly lower than the previous season’s 54%. These levels remain well below the World Health Organization’s target of 75% for influenza vaccination. The vaccination campaign for the season—covering both influenza and COVID-19 protection—begins on October 14, signaling the start of renewed efforts to protect vulnerable populations during peak influenza activity.
What This Means for Seniors and Caregivers
For adults aged 65 and older, choosing an adjuvanted vaccine like Fluad can be a key part of reducing the risk of severe influenza. Healthcare providers can discuss the option that best fits an individual’s health profile, balancing the benefits of adjuvanted vaccines with other high-dose alternatives such as Efluelda when appropriate. Given the higher risk of complications in older adults, staying up to date with vaccination remains a critical step in protecting personal health and easing the burden on hospitals during flu season.
Conclusion
Fluad represents an important tool in the public health effort to shield seniors from influenza. By enhancing the immune response through adjuvant technology, Fluad and equivalent high-dose vaccines aim to lower hospitalizations and mortality among those 65 and older. As the 2024-2025 season approaches, prioritizing vaccination and selecting the most suitable vaccine for each individual will help safeguard the most vulnerable populations.
