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High-dosage flu vaccine widely offered to elderly patients as cases climb

PITTSBURGH — With the Pennsylvania State Department of Health now reporting widespread flu activity with nearly 1,200 cases, researchers in Pittsburgh have been studying whether a high-dose vaccine could better protect elderly patients.

Allegheny County currently has the most cases in the entire state, with 207 reported. In comparison, there are 52 cases in Westmoreland County, 50 in Butler County and 49 in Washington County.

“If you don't want the flu, try the vaccine,” said Reba Roberts, 99.

It’s that simple, the 99-year-old woman said, adding that she has never missed a flu shot.

“I haven't had the flu in - it must be 40 years,” Roberts said.

This year, her routine shot changed a little, though.

Her doctor recommended a high-dose vaccine specifically geared toward her age group.

“Ninety percent of the people who die from the flu are 65 years or older,” said Dr. David Nace, of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC.

Nace explained to Channel 11 what the sets apart this new vaccine.

“It's four times more potent, we think, than the regular vaccine,” he said. “The question that we always had was: We have two vaccines available. Which one do you pick?”

So, Nace said he put them both to the test. His research team at the University of Pittsburgh found that the high-dose vaccine produced double the amount of flu-fighting antibodies.

“This is you best bang for your buck,” Nace said.

UPMC is now making the vaccine widely available to its elderly patients if they want it.

Deloris Spragaele, 84, received the shot and said her family was her motivation.

“I want to be here for them for as long as I can,” said Spragaele.

The vaccine itself has been approved since 2009, but only for people 65 and older.

Nace said more research is needed before giving the higher dosage to other high-risk groups.

WPXI

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