Influenza immunisation in those 65+ years is challenging
Immunosenescence (age-related decline in immune response) can lower influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults 65 years and older.2,3
People aged 65 years and older, experience worse outcomes in response to influenza infection compared to healthy younger adults.3
As a result of influenza infection, people aged 65 years and older are more susceptible to hospitalisations and increased severity of infection often due to comorbidities compared to healthy younger adults. These factors may lead to a decreased quality of life and an increased rate of mortality.4,5
Adding the MF59® Adjuvant to the influenza vaccine significantly enhances antibody responses*1,6
Increases the magnitude of the antibody response by stimulating more immune cells to create more antibodies.*7,8
Broadens the antibody response by creating higher levels of cross-reactive antibodies.*7-9
Impact of MF59® Adjuvant
Observational studies in individuals aged 65+, showed improved vaccine effectiveness compared with the standard egg-based influenza vaccine:^
Lower risk
of medical encounters due to influenza-related outcomes, including hospitalisations, ER visits and GP visits10-18
18.2 - 36.3% reduction
in influenza-related GP visits12,14
Longer protection
Antibody levels are higher at 12 months post vaccination7
270 million†
doses distributed worldwide19
*compared to non-adjuvanted, standard dose influenza vaccines. †Dose count includes doses distributed globally as of July 2023 and includes both FLUAD Trivalent and FLUAD Quad. ^No effectiveness randomised clinical studies have been performed with FLUAD Quad versus standard dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The observational effectiveness studies performed with FLUAD (trivalent formulation) are relevant to FLUAD Quad as both vaccines are manufactured using the same process and have overlapping compositions. Observational studies have limitations including potential for selection bias, residual confounding. Studies were conducted in different seasons with different circulating strains. Influenza infection was not laboratory confirmed in all studies.
Safety, tolerability and experience
Clinical trials and extensive real-world experience demonstrated that FLUAD Quad has a systemic safety profile similar to that of other seasonal flu vaccines.1,7
Vaccination with FLUAD Quad is associated with more local reactions compared to other seasonal flu vaccines.
These are usually mild to moderate and typically resolve within 1–3 days.1,20
Approved in New Zealand, Australia, UK, EU, US and other countries.21
Important information regarding ordering FLUAD Quad for 2024
FLUAD® Quad will be available unfunded in NZ for the 2024 influenza season.
FLUAD Quad can be ordered directly from HCL in the usual manner. Note: no minimum order quantity and no small order charge apply.
In 2024 FLUAD Quad will cost $20.00+GST per dose from HCL, and will be available in boxes of 10 units.
References: 1. Seqirus NZ. FLUAD Quad Data Sheet. Seqirus (NZ) Ltd. October 2023. 2. Andrew MK et al. Drugs Aging. 2019;36(1):29-37. 3. Monto AS et al. Vaccine. 2009;27(37):5043-5053. 4. Gavazzi G et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2002;2:659-666. 5. Thompson WW et al. JAMA. 2004;292:1333-1340. 6. Podda A. Vaccine. 2001;19(17-19):2673-2680. 7. Frey SE et al. Vaccine. 2014;32(39):5027-5034. 8. Ansaldi F et al. Vaccine. 2010;28(25):4123-4129. 9. O’Hagan DT et al. Expert Rev Vacc 2011; 10(4):447–462. 10. Lapi F et al. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2019;18(6):663-670. 11. Mannino S et al. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2012;176(6):527-533. 12. Pelton S et al. Vaccines. 2020;8(3):446. 13. McConeghy KW et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;ciaa1233. 14. Boikos C et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;ciab152. 15. Izurieta HS et al. J Infect Dis. 2019;220(8):1255-1264. 16. Izurieta HS et al. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(2):278-287. 17. Izurieta HS et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;19;ciaa1727. 18. Coleman BL et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2021;15(6):813-823. 19. CSL Seqirus Data on File #8 20. Beyer WEP et al. Vaccine 29 (2011) 5785– 5792. 21. CSL Seqirus Data on file #10.
FLUAD® Quad is an unfunded Prescription Medicine. FLUAD® Quad is an inactivated influenza vaccine, with an MF59® Adjuvant, as a suspension for injection in a single-dose glass syringe. PRESENTATION: Each dose contains 60 micrograms/0.5 mL of surface haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from four influenza virus strains INDICATIONS: For active immunisation against seasonal influenza for people 65 years of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine, except egg proteins; previous dose of any influenza vaccine. ADVERSE EVENTS: Common injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Most of these reactions disappear within 3 days. Rare but serious events include thrombocytopenia; lymphadenopathy; muscular weakness; allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis; encephalomyelitis, Guillain Barré syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, paraesthesia, convulsions; vasculitis with transient renal involvement; generalised skin reactions; and severe injection-site reactions (extensive limb swelling or cellulitis-like reactions). PRECAUTIONS: Postpone immunisation in patients with acute febrile illness or infection. Antibody responses may not be protective in all vaccinees, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. FLUAD® Quad is for intramuscular injection use only. Persons with a history of anaphylaxis to egg should be vaccinated only in medical facilities with staff experienced in recognising and treating anaphylaxis. Co-administration with other vaccines has not been studied. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, consider potential benefits and risks. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Gently shake before use; inject a single 0.5 mL dose into the deltoid muscle. Store at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. Before prescribing, review the FLUAD® Quad Data Sheet at www.medsafe.govt.nz, or from CSL Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. FLUAD® and FLUAD® Quad are registered trademarks of Seqirus UK Ltd. 10/23 NZ-FLU-23-0026. TAPS DA 2328ER. Updated November 2023. INSIGHT 12688