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ACIP adds newest flu vaccines to list of options for providers
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A plethora of recently approved influenza vaccines will give patients more choices than ever for their annual immunization, according to information presented this week at the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The committee voted to reaffirm previous recommendations that all eligible patients aged older than of 6 months get their vaccine. They also did not state a preference for any of the vaccines, rather just added them to a list of choices for providers.
The committee recommended that the four-strain vaccine formulations of FluMist (MedImmune) and Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline), Flucelvax (Novartis), and Flublok (Protein Sciences) be incorporated into list of options for providers.
The committee’s vote followed a short presentation by Lisa Dunkle, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Protein Sciences, on Flublok, which was approved by the FDA in January. It became the first trivalent influenza vaccine made using an insect virus expression system and recombinant DNA technology. The vaccine is indicated for prevention of seasonal influenza in patients aged 18 to 49 years, but trials in pediatric populations are expected next influenza season, Dunkle said.
Flublok — unlike current influenza vaccines — does not use the influenza virus or eggs in its production. This manufacturing technology allows production of large quantities of hemagglutinin.
Several panel members said that the options are sorely needed, as data presented during the ACIP meeting show the current vaccine was only effective in about half of the older people who received the vaccine.
FluMist is approved for patients aged 2 to 49 years and Fluarix is indicated for patients aged 3 years and older.
Flucelvax and Flublok do not have a pediatric indication. Flucelvax is approved for patients aged 18 years and older and Flublok is approved for patients aged 18 to 49 years.