Vaccine Info

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine

Authored by

Staff

Last reviewed

November 11, 2021

Fact checked by

Robert Carlson, MD + Holly Lutmer PharmD

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Description

GSK's Flulaval Quadrivalent is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine prepared from viruses propagated in hens’ eggs. Each of the four influenza viruses is produced and purified separately. The viruses are inactivated with ultraviolet light treatment followed by formaldehyde treatment, purified by centrifugation, and disrupted with sodium deoxycholate.

Flulaval Quadrivalent is formulated without preservatives and does not contain thimerosal, says the U.S. FDA. STN: BL 125163.

The U.S. CDC says 'Flulaval for 2021-2022, quadrivalent (four-component) egg-based vaccines is recommended to contain: A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Tasmania/503/2020 (H3N2) IVR-221 (A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus), B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus, and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.'

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) is located in Brentford, United Kingdom.

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Indication

Flulaval Quadrivalent is indicated for active immunization to prevent disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine.

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccines

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued interim clinical considerations stating that 'COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines, including influenza vaccines, can be administered without regard to timing. And the annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications. 'Providers should be aware of the potential for increased reactogenicity with coadministration and should consult the CDC for updated guidance as more information becomes available. If coadministered, COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines that might be more likely to cause a local reaction (e.g., aIIV4 or HD-IIV4) should be administered in different limbs, if possible.'

'No data are currently available concerning coadministration of currently Authorized COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccines,' stated Lisa Grohskopf, M.D., MPH, CDC's ACIP vaccine committee presentation (slide #14) on June 24, 2021.

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Dosage

Flulaval Quadrivalent is approved for use in persons aged 6 months and older. Flulaval Quadrivalent is administered as an intramuscular injection.

Do not administer Flulaval Quadrivalent to anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.

For detailed dosage information, visit GSK.

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Side Effects

Flulaval Quadrivalent is generally well-tolerated, however, if you or your loved one has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, that information should be reported to VAERS.

VAERS is a U.S. passive reporting system, meaning it relies on individuals to send in reports of their experiences to a vaccine. Anyone can submit a report to VAERS, including parents and patients. Furthermore, healthcare providers are required by law to report to VAERS.

Flulaval Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine News

November 11, 2021 - Despite increased influenza testing, levels continue to remain low, reported the WHO.

October 16, 2021 - The US CDC reported in week 41, that 0.1% of long-term care facilities reported > 1 influenza-positive test among residents. And no jurisdictions reported high or very high ILI activity.

October 7, 2021 - During week 40, the UK reported 8 influenza-positive cases.

September 11, 2021 - Nationwide during week 36, 2.3% of patient visits reported through ILINet were due to ILI. The percentage of patient visits for ILI remains below the baseline of 2.6% nationally.

September 4, 2021 - According to the US CDC, the percentages of visits for ILI reported in ILINet have been stable or decreasing among adult age groups (25-49 years, 50-64 years and 65+ years) and may be starting to stabilize among the younger age groups (0-4 years and 5-24 years).

August 26, 2021 - The U.S. FDA confirmed (30) lots for FluLaval Quadrivalent from ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec have been released and available for distribution in the USA.

July 26, 2021 - The global influenza vaccines market is projected to exceed the US$ 9.5 Billion mark by 2027 and is presenting ample opportunities to the industry's players. In 2020, GlaxoSmithKline plc influenza vaccines (Fluarix/FluLaval) sales were up 35% from the previous year.

July 23, 2021 - GSK today announced it started shipping its quadrivalent influenza vaccines to US healthcare providers and pharmacies for the 2021-22 flu season. "GSK's focus continues to be increasing vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the flu vaccination is an integral part of that public health effort," said Judy Stewart, Senior Vice President and Head of US Vaccines at GSK.

July 2, 2021 - The U.S. FDA issued a Supplement Approval letter to GSK for active immunization to prevent disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine.

July 28, 2020 - GSK begins shipping a record number of its influenza vaccine doses for the 2020-21 season for the US market. FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT will be available in a 0.5mL, single-dose, pre-filled syringe and indicated for patients 6 months and older in line with CDC recommendations.

November 18, 2016 - GSK announced it had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center expanding the indication for FluLaval® Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine) to include use in children 6 months and older. Before this, the vaccine was only approved for active immunization against influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses in persons 3 years of age and older.