Influenza Vaccines: Understanding of Approval Pathways and Application in Older Adults

This resource center is supported by an educational grant from Sanofi US.

Individuals 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious influenza complications compared with young, healthy adults. This increased risk is due in part to a reduced ability to mount an appropriate cellular and humoral immune response to vaccines. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual influenza vaccine among individuals 65 years and older. Yet, vaccination rates among adults continue to lag behind national benchmarks. With the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated vaccinations, the medical community must also be prepared to discuss the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccines with patients, particularly among high-risk groups.

This activity will update clinicians about Food and Drug Administration approval pathways for influenza vaccines, and current influenza vaccine formulations recommended for adults aged 65 years and older. Recommendations on counseling patients about the importance of being vaccinated against the flu each year are also featured in the programs.