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New "high dose" flu vaccine is for seniors only

[November 16, 2010]  This year seniors have an advantage over the flu.

Manufacturers have created a new "high dose" influenza vaccine specifically for people 65 years of age and older. The high dose vaccine contains the same ingredients as a regular flu shot. However, it has four times the amount of antigen.

The thinking with this higher dose is the body's going to create a better immune response to a virus."

Antigen is the portion of the vaccine that prompts the body to create antibodies, which in turn, fight the flu virus.

With more antigen in the vaccine, older people's bodies have more opportunity to create those necessary flu fighting antibodies.

Health professionals say the side effects of the high dose vaccine are the same as those with the regular flu shot including soreness at the injection site and possibly a low grad fever.

[LDN]