The editor:
As a follow-up to my letter which you published in the Observer on Oct. 2, I wanted you to see the source and information I got on the senior鈥檚 increased-dosage flu shot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., the increased dosage flu shot (brand name Fluzone High-Dose and used in Canada) 鈥渃ontains four times the amount of antigens (the inactivated virus that promotes a protective immune response) as a regular flu shot.聽 It is associated with a stronger immune response following vaccination (higher antibody production).鈥澛�
Results from clinical trials showed that adults 65 years and older who received the high dose vaccine had 24 per cent fewer flu illnesses and, according to two pharmacists, one in Ontario and the other in B.C., can increase lung function by up to 30 per cent in those adults who contract the flu.聽
In addition, this increased-dosage flu shot has been available to seniors in the U.S. since 2009.聽
Why are we so far behind in protecting all seniors in Saskatchewan?
