A Canadian study concludes that the per-patient cost of hospitalization due to influenza is higher than previous estimates, building the case for the cost-effectiveness of immunization.
Hogan Pharmacy Partners has developed a protocol for quick response to influenza outbreaks in long-term care homes that reduces risk to the frail elderly. They hope others will implement it as well.
While there may not be head-to-head trials between high-dose trivalent and standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines, the high-dose is still the better option for adults aged 65 and older.
Healthcare providers may recognize the merits of the high-dose flu vaccine for seniors, but many mistakenly assume patients won’t pay out of pocket for it.
While influenza is known to exacerbate chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease, another chronic condition is often overlooked: dementia.
People should ideally receive their influenza vaccination by the first week of December—though it’s not too late if they get it after that, given the unpredictability of the flu season.
