FDA Approves New Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine

The FDA has approved a quadrivalent formulation of Flublok influenza vaccine, which protects against 4 strains of influenza (3 of which are found in the trivalent Flublok vaccine).

This is the first high antigen content quadrivalent flu vaccine to be approved by the FDA, containing more than 3 times more active ingredients than other quadrivalent vaccines.

The approval is based upon a study of 9000 adults aged 50 years and older, in which those receiving the quadrivalent Flublok were 40% less likely to have cell-culture confirmed influenza than those receiving an egg-produced quadrivalent flu vaccine.

It is approved for use in adults aged 18 years and older. Common side effects associated with Flublok include injection site pain, headache, fatigue, and muscle ache.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Protein Sciences Corporation. FDA approves Flublok® Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine [press release]. October 11, 2016. Meriden, Connecticut. http://www.flublok.com/media/1126/quad-approval-final.pdf.