Fluad Vaccine Delivers Better Protection for Seniors and Children

Seqirus presented new healthcare and cost outcome data for its MF59-adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (FLUAD) on October 6, 2018. 

MF59 is an oil-in-water emulsion of squalene oil. Squalene, a naturally occurring substance found in humans, animals, and plants, is highly purified for the vaccine manufacturing process, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   

FLUAD was initially approved in Italy in 1997, and at the time of its U.S. approval in 2015, had been licensed in 38 countries. 

This presentation reviewed the results from 5 different studies conducted on vulnerable populations: those over 65 years of age and young children. 

The results are as follows:

• An improved immune response in those 65 years and older was associated with an increase in the dose of adjuvant MF59.
• A significant reduction of 6% in all-cause hospitalization among elderly persons aged 65 years and above who live in U.S. nursing homes and received MF59-adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine compared to those who received a traditional egg-based trivalent vaccine.
• Cost-savings in using MF59-adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine vs. unadjuvanted trivalent vaccine for those 65 years+, where use led to a reduction in deaths and an incremental increase in quality-adjusted life years (QALY).
• An improved immune response in young children after repeated vaccination using the MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine.
• Increased immunization against influenza among young children whose parents visited doctors receiving Continued Medical Education (CME), with parents more than 30% more likely to have their child vaccinated against influenza, and children seen by the doctor with their parents 20% more likely to receive an adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine.

"The five studies presented reinforce the value of our MF59 technology in enhancing the body's immune response, reducing the burden of influenza and providing greater protection for those whose weaker immune systems mean they are at an increased risk of influenza," said Russell Basser, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Seqirus, in a press release. 

Influenza is a common, highly contagious infectious disease that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Because transmission to others may occur one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick, the disease can be easily transmitted to others.

Influenza can lead to clinical symptoms varying from mild to moderate respiratory illness to severe complications, hospitalization and in some cases, death. 

Since it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protects against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Recent influenza vaccine news:

• Xofluza Beats Tamiflu in Phase 3 Clinical Study
• Cell-Culture and Egg-Based Flu Vaccines Similarly Un-Effective Against Influenza A
• High-Dose Flu Shot 30% More Effective at Reducing Senior Hospitalizations

Most pharmacies in the USA offer several FDA approved flu and vaccines. 

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector prices for general information.

Flu vaccine discounts can be found here. 

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC. 

For more information visit www.seqirus.com