Doctors, Pharmacists Would Recommend High-Dose Flu Vaccine for Seniors, Survey Finds
A survey of U.S. healthcare providers indicates a majority would recommend a high-dose influenza vaccine like Sanofi's Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for adults 65 and older. The findings emerge as ACIP reviews flu vaccine guidance for this age group.
A majority of U.S. healthcare providers (66%) stated they would recommend a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for adults aged 65 and older if they could advise the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sentiment was revealed in a survey of 700 U.S. healthcare providers conducted by Ipsos and sponsored by Sanofi.
The survey aimed to gauge healthcare provider preferences for influenza vaccines. When presented with blinded clinical profiles of three different vaccines, nearly 74% of providers indicated they would recommend a vaccine similar to Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for their patients over 65, over another vaccine for that age group or a standard-dose influenza vaccine.
The results underscore the importance of ACIP preferential recommendations, particularly for older adults who face severe complications from influenza, including pneumonia and heart conditions. An estimated 70-85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of hospitalizations occur in individuals 65 and older. Furthermore, 76% of healthcare providers reported they would recommend a vaccine with the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent profile for their own family and friends if they were over 65.
Michael Greenberg, North America Medical Head of Vaccines at Sanofi, emphasized the significance of the findings. "This new survey underscores the need for clear and specific guidance, ideally with a recommendation for Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, based on demonstrated clinical results and real-world evidence," Greenberg stated. He added that guidance should follow the science, especially for older adults who bear the greatest burden of seasonal flu.