What is the difference between (TIV) Trivalent and (QIV) Quadrivalent vaccines?
Trivalent - There are hundreds of A-strains that are mutating constantly and hard to predict, while there are only two B-strains. The trivalent vaccine protects against three different flu viruses: the two most common A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one B strain (the Victoria and Yamagata lineages), whichever is predicted to affect citizens most strongly in a given year. In six of the past 12 seasons, the dominant circulating B strain was from the B-lineage not selected for the vaccine. Even in years where the correct B lineage strain was selected for the vaccine, some influenza disease was caused by the B lineage omitted from the vaccine likely reducing the overall vaccine effectiveness against circulating influenza viruses.
Quadrivalent - This form offers the same benefits as the trivalent vaccine, with the added bonus of covering both B-strains, so four strains total. The two distinct influenza B types (the Victoria and Yamagata lineages) have co-circulated with varying prevalence, making it difficult to predict the next season's dominant B lineage strain.
For this reason, Babson & Associates have provided the Quadrivalent Flu vaccine to our patients since 2013. 2013 was the first year the QIV Flu vaccine was made available in the United States.
What is the High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine and why is it recommended for adults 65 and older?
As we age the body’s ability to have a good immune response after getting influenza vaccine decreases. Also, the human immune defenses become weaker with age, which places older people at greater risk of severe illness from influenza. A higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is supposed to give older people a better immune response, and therefore, better protection against flu.
High-Dose vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response (more antibody) in the person getting the vaccine.
For this reason, Babson & Associates have provided the High-Dose influenza vaccine to our patients since 2010. 2010 was the first year the High-Dose influenza Flu vaccine was made available in the United States.
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