Clinical Scorecard: The Flu Vaccine Face-Off Ends in a Draw

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Adjuvanted and high-dose vaccines showed similar effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza.
• Study involved 429,595 patients from Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
• No statistically significant difference in effectiveness between vaccine formulations.
• Influenza A accounted for the majority of cases in both groups.
• Findings support continued use of either vaccine formulation for older adults.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Polymerase chain reaction testing for confirmed influenza.

Management

• Both adjuvanted and high-dose vaccines are recommended for adults aged 65 years or older.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitor for polymerase chain reaction-confirmed influenza and associated hospitalizations.

Risks

• Potential underrepresentation of milder influenza cases due to testing propensity.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults aged 65 years or older

Both vaccine formulations are effective; choice may depend on patient preference.

Clinical Best Practices

• Continue to offer both adjuvanted and high-dose vaccines to older adults.
• Consider local influenza circulation and geographic variation when administering vaccines.

Related Resources & Content

• JAMA Network Open