Sanofi's High-Dose Flu Vaccine Delivers Superior Protection for Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

Sanofi has announced new results from the FLUNITY-HD study, confirming that its high-dose influenza vaccine, Efluelda, offers significantly greater protection against hospitalisations in adults aged 65 and older. The study, published in The Lancet, included 466,320 participants across Denmark and Spain, making it the largest influenza vaccine effectiveness trial conducted in older adults. Efluelda demonstrated a 31.9% additional reduction in laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisations and 8.8% greater protection against pneumonia or influenza-related hospitalisations versus standard-dose vaccines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FLUNITY-HD study, which included 466,320 participants, is the largest influenza vaccine effectiveness trial conducted in older adults.
  • Efluelda, Sanofi's high-dose influenza vaccine, demonstrated a 31.9% additional reduction in laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisations compared to standard-dose vaccines.
  • Efluelda also showed an 8.8% greater protection against pneumonia or influenza-related hospitalisations compared to standard-dose vaccines.
  • The vaccine resulted in a 6.3% reduction in cardio-respiratory hospitalisations and 2.2% fewer all-cause hospitalisations.
  • Sanofi estimates that one fewer hospitalisation occurs for every 515 older adults vaccinated with Efluelda instead of standard-dose formulations.
  • The study's findings build on 15 years of clinical evidence covering more than 45 million older adults.
  • Sanofi's global head of Medical for Vaccines, Dr. Bogdana Coudsy, noted that the high-dose vaccine could reduce healthcare costs, ease system pressures, and support independence among seniors.
  • Older adults account for up to 70% of flu hospitalisations.

Statistics:

  • 466,320 participants were included in the FLUNITY-HD study.
  • 31.9% additional reduction in laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalisations was observed with Efluelda compared to standard-dose vaccines.
  • 8.8% greater protection against pneumonia or influenza-related hospitalisations was observed with Efluelda compared to standard-dose vaccines.
  • 6.3% reduction in cardio-respiratory hospitalisations was observed with Efluelda.
  • 2.2% fewer all-cause hospitalisations were observed with Efluelda.
  • 1 fewer hospitalisation occurs for every 515 older adults vaccinated with Efluelda instead of standard-dose formulations.

Sources:

  • M2 EQUITYBITES-October 20, 2025-Sanofi reports data showing high-dose flu vaccine delivers superior protection for older adults (C)2025 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.co.uk