The high-dose influenza vaccine, compared to the normal amount, is better for the vulnerable organ transplant population, according to researchers at the University of Toronto.

Yoichiro Natori, MD, clinical fellow of transplant infectious diseases at the University Health Network, University of Toronto, summarized results showing that a high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose, Sanofi Pasteur; HD) demonstrated “significantly better immunogenicity” when compared with a standard-dose vaccine (Fluviral, GlaxoSmithKline; SD) in adult solid organ transplant recipients.

Transplant recipients are on lifelong immunosuppression and a particularly vulnerable population when it comes to the complications of influenza,” study author Deepali Kumar, MD, MSc, FRCPC, associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and staff physician in the multiorgan transplant program at University Heath Network, told Infectious Disease News.