Cell-Based Flu Shot Found Safe for Pregnant Women

New Jersey-based Seqirus presented findings from a new observational safety study conducted in the U.S. that found no unexpected adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women vaccinated with the company's cell-based quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine FlucelVax Quadrivalent during pregnancy.

The prospective observational cohort study evaluated pregnancy outcomes and events of interest in the fetus or infant following vaccination with FlucelVax Quadrivalent during any trimester. These data were presented at the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology Meeting on July 30, 2021.

"These data provide additional safety information with regards to unexpected pregnancy complications and/or fetal outcomes to healthcare providers considering vaccination to protect their pregnant patients from the flu," commented Josephine van Boxmeer, lead Clinical Scientist for the study at Seqirus and an author, in a press release.

"We are committed to helping to protect as many people as possible against influenza, including those who are pregnant."An independent Scientific Advisory Committee reviewed the findings from this study

The U.S. CDC says 'Flu shots given during pregnancy help protect both the mother and her baby from influenza viruses. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half. Pregnant women should get a flu shot, but not the nasal spray flu vaccine.'

FlucelVax Quadrivalent (QIVc) utilizes a cell-based influenza vaccine manufacturing process, an alternative to traditional egg-based manufacturing.

Cell-based influenza vaccines are designed to produce an exact match to those selected by the World Health Organization. In addition, cell-based influenza vaccine technology may offer additional advantages over the standard influenza manufacturing process, including being more scalable and offering faster production in the event of an influenza pandemic, says the CDC.

As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers globally, Seqirus, part of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness.