It has been announced today that the cell-based seasonal influenza vaccine, Flucelvax® Quad [quadrivalent influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, prepared in cell cultures)] has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for children aged two years and older.
The four-strain vaccine is the first and only cell-based influenza vaccine available in Australia, approved by the TGA for use in adults and children two years of age and older. Flucelvax® Quad is available now for purchase via GP clinics, pharmacies, and other immunisation providers – it will not be funded on the National Immunisation Program in 2022.
Data from seven major Australian hospitals from 2017 and 2018 found between 10-15% of children admitted with confirmed influenza needed intensive care and of all hospitalised children up to 84% were unvaccinated.
“Young children and older adults are at a higher risk for serious influenza-related complications than the rest of the population, so this approval by the TGA is welcome news.” said Professor Robert Booy, leading infectious diseases paediatrician.
“This offers an additional option to health care providers, parents and children and will be an important tool in the fight against influenza.”
Ahead of each flu season, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issues recommendations on which influenza strains should be included in the vaccines. These recommendations are based on which strains are predicted to be most problematic.
The production of Flucelvax® Quad using cell-based technology results in a close match to the WHO-selected strains.
Dr Jonathan Anderson, Seqirus Head of Medical Affairs Asia Pacific, said there has been a major focus on the importance of vaccine science and technology in improving the health of all Australians in recent years.
“We want to make sure Australians have access to cell-based influenza vaccine technology. Flucelvax Quad offers a choice when it comes to flu vaccination and it is important for patients to discuss options with their healthcare provider before a decision is made.”
“With our healthcare system facing pressure from COVID-19 and influenza this winter, achieving high influenza vaccination coverage is crucial in ensuring we help to reduce the strain on hospitals. This is even more important this year, and the expanded approval of Flucelvax® Quad will be timely to give more patients and health care professionals additional options”, confirmed Dr Anderson.
Please speak with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about flu vaccination, including which vaccine is suitable for you.
