Influenza Virus Vaccine

AFLURIA® is an inactivated influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B present in the vaccine. AFLURIA is approved for use in persons 5 years of age and older.

No information provided.

Mechanism Of Action

Influenza illness and its complications follow infection with influenza viruses. Global surveillance of influenza identifies yearly antigenic variants. For example, since 1977, antigenic variants of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses have been in global circulation. Specific levels of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer post-vaccination with inactivated influenza virus vaccines have not been correlated with protection from influenza virus infection. In some human studies, antibody titers ≥1:40 have been associated with protection from influenza illness in up to 50% of participants. (See REFERENCES 3 and 4.)

Antibodies against one influenza virus type or subtype confer limited or no protection against another. Furthermore, antibodies to one antigenic variant of influenza virus might not protect against a new antigenic variant of the same type or subtype. Frequent development of antigenic variants through antigenic drift is the virologic basis for seasonal epidemics and the reason for the usual change of one or more new strains in each year's influenza vaccine. Therefore, influenza vaccines are standardized to contain the hemagglutinins of influenza virus strains representing the influenza viruses likely to be circulating in the US during the influenza season.

Annual vaccination with the current vaccine is recommended because immunity during the year after vaccination declines and because circulating strains of influenza virus change from year to year.

Clinical Studies

Immunogenicity Of Fluzone High-Dose In Adults 65 Years Of Age And Older

Study 1 (NCT00391053) was a multi-center, double-blind pre-licensure trial conducted in the US in which adults 65 years of age and older were randomized to receive either Fluzone High-Dose or Fluzone (2006-2007 formulation). The study compared the safety and immunogenicity of Fluzone High- Dose to those of Fluzone. For immunogenicity analyses, 2576 participants were randomized to Fluzone High-Dose and 1275 participants were randomized to Fluzone. Females accounted for 51.3% of participants in the Fluzone High-Dose group and 54.7% of participants in the Fluzone group. In both groups, the mean age was 72.9 years (ranged from 65 through 97 years in the Fluzone High-Dose group and 65 through 94 years in the Fluzone group); 35% of participants in the Fluzone High-Dose group and 36% of participants in the Fluzone group were 75 years of age or older. Most participants in the Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone groups, respectively, were White (91.7% and 92.9%), followed by Hispanic (4.8% and 3.7%), and Black (2.7% and 2.7%).

The primary endpoints of the study were HI GMTs and seroconversion rates 28 days after vaccination. Pre-specified statistical superiority criteria required that the lower limit (LL) of the 2-sided 95% CI of the GMT ratio (Fluzone High-Dose/Fluzone) be greater than 1.50 for at least two of the strains, and if one strain failed, non-inferiority of that strain must be demonstrated (LL>0.67), and that the lower limit of the 2-sided 95% CI of the seroconversion rate difference (Fluzone High-Dose minus Fluzone) be greater than 10% for at least two of the strains, and if one strain failed, non-inferiority of that strain must be demonstrated (LL>-10%). As shown in Table 3, statistically superior HI GMTs and seroconversion rates after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose compared to Fluzone were demonstrated for influenza A subtypes, A (H1N1) and A (H3N2), but not for influenza type B. For strain B, non-inferiority of Fluzone High-Dose compared to Fluzone was demonstrated for both the HI GMTs and seroconversion rates.

Table 3: Study 1 : Post-Vaccination HI Antibody GMTs and Seroconversion Rates and Analyses of Superiority of Fluzone High-Dose Relative to Fluzone, Adults 65 Years of Age and Older

Efficacy Of Fluzone High-Dose In Adults 65 Years Of Age And Older

Study 2 (NCT01427309) was a multi-center, double-blind post-licensure efficacy trial conducted in the US and Canada in which adults 65 years of age and older were randomized (1:1) to receive either Fluzone High-Dose or Fluzone. The study was conducted over two influenza seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013); 53% of participants enrolled in the first year of the study were re-enrolled and rerandomized in the second year. The per-protocol analysis set for efficacy assessments included 15,892 Fluzone High-Dose recipients and 15,911 Fluzone recipients. The majority (67%) of participants in the per-protocol analysis set for efficacy had one or more high-risk chronic comorbid conditions. In the per-protocol analysis set, females accounted for 57.2% of participants in the Fluzone High-Dose group and 56.1% of participants in the Fluzone group. In both groups, the median age was 72.2 years (range 65 through 100 years). Overall, most participants in the study were White (95%); approximately 4% of study participants were Black, and approximately 6% reported Hispanic ethnicity.

The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of laboratory-confirmed influenza (as determined by culture or polymerase chain reaction) caused by any influenza viral type/subtype in association with influenza-like illness (ILI), defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following respiratory symptoms: sore throat, cough, sputum production, wheezing, or difficulty breathing; concurrent with at least one of the following systemic signs or symptoms: temperature >99.0°F, chills, tiredness, headaches or myalgia. Participants were monitored for the occurrence of a respiratory illness by both active and passive surveillance, starting 2 weeks post-vaccination for approximately 7 months. After an episode of respiratory illness, nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected for analysis; attack rates and vaccine efficacy were calculated (see Table 4).

Table 4: Study 2 : Relative Efficacy Against Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Regardless of Similarity to the Vaccine Components , Associated with Influenza-Like Illness , Adults 65 Years of Age and Older

A secondary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of culture-confirmed influenza caused by viral types/subtypes antigenically similar to those contained in the respective annual vaccine formulations in association with a modified CDC-defined ILI, defined as the occurrence of a temperature > 99.0°F (> 37.2°C) with cough or sore throat. The efficacy of Fluzone High-Dose relative to Fluzone for this endpo int was 51.1% (95% CI: 16.8; 72.0).

REFERENCES

3.Hannoun C, Megas F, Piercy J. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of influenza vaccination. Virus Res 2004;103:133-138.

4.Hobson D, Curry RL, Beare AS, Ward-Gardner A. The role of serum haemagglutinationinhibiting antibody in protection against challenge infection with influenza A2 and B viruses. J Hyg Camb 1972;70:767-777.

You may not be able to receive this vaccine if you are allergic to eggs, or if you have:

• a history of severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine; or
• a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a flu vaccine).

To make sure influenza virus injectable vaccine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;
• a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine);
• a history of seizures;
• a weak immune system caused by disease, bone marrow transplant, or by using certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments; or
• if you are allergic to latex rubber.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Vaccines may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to a pregnant woman. However, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if the mother becomes infected with a disease that this vaccine could prevent. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with influenza.

It is not known whether influenza virus vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This vaccine should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a vaccine cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another vaccine, and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. There is the possibility that broad use of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT could reveal adverse reactions not observed in clinical trials.

In adults who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (60%); the most common (≥10%) solicited systemic adverse events were muscle aches (26%), headache (22%), fatigue (22%), and arthralgia (15%).

In children aged 6 through 35 months who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (40%); the most common (≥10%) solicited systemic adverse events were irritability (49%), drowsiness (37%), and loss of appetite (29%).

In children aged 3 through 17 years who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, the most common (≥10%) solicited local adverse reaction was pain (65%). In children aged 3 through 4 years, the most common (≥10%) solicited systemic adverse events were irritability (26%), drowsiness (21%), and loss of appetite (17%). In children aged 5 through 17 years, the most common (≥10%) systemic adverse events were muscle aches (29%), fatigue (22%), headache (22%), arthralgia (13%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (10%).

FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT has been administered in 8 clinical trials to 1,384 adults aged 18 years and older, 1,965 children aged 6 through 35 months, and 3,516 children aged 3 through 17 years.

Trial 1 (NCT01196975) was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, safety and immunogenicity trial. In this trial, subjects received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,272), or one of 2 formulations of a comparator trivalent influenza vaccine (FLULAVAL, TIV-1, n = 213 or TIV-2, n = 218), each containing an influenza type B virus that corresponded to one of the 2 B viruses in FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (a type B virus of the Victoria lineage or a type B virus of the Yamagata lineage). The population was aged 18 years and older (mean age: 50 years) and 61% were female; 61% of subjects were white, 3% were black, 1% were Asian, and 35% were of other racial/ethnic groups. Solicited adverse events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in adults are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of Vaccination in Adults Aged 18 Years and Olderb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)

Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 21 days of vaccination were reported in 19%, 23%, and 23% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,272), TIV-1 (B Victoria) (n = 213), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata) (n = 218), respectively. The unsolicited adverse events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT) included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, cough, and oropharyngeal pain. Serious adverse events occurring within 21 days of vaccination were reported in 0.4%, 0%, and 0% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, TIV-1 (B Victoria), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), respectively.

Trial 4 (NCT02242643) was a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled immunogenicity and safety trial. The trial included subjects aged 6 through 35 months who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,207) or FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT, a U.S.-licensed inactivated influenza vaccine (n = 1,217) used as comparator, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur Inc. Children with no history of influenza vaccination received 2 doses of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or the comparator vaccine approximately 28 days apart. Children with a history of influenza vaccination received one dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or the comparator vaccine. In the overall population, 53% were male; 64% were white, 16% were black, 3% were Asian, and 17% were of other racial/ethnic groups. The mean age of subjects was 20 months. Subjects were followed for safety for 6 months; solicited local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days) postvaccination. The incidence of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in children are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of Firs t Vaccination in Children Aged 6 through 35 Monthsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)

In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or the comparator vaccine, the incidences of solicited adverse events following the second dose were generally similar or lower than those observed after the first dose.

Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of vaccination were reported in 46% and 44% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 1,207) and the comparator vaccine (n = 1,217), respectively. The unsolicited adverse reactions that occurred most frequently (≥1%) for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT included upper respiratory tract infection, cough, diarrhea, pyrexia, vomiting, and rash. Serious adverse events occurring during the study period (approximately 6 months) were reported in 2% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and in 2% of subjects who received the comparator vaccine. There were no deaths reported during the study period.

Trial 2 (NCT01198756) was a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial. In this trial, subjects received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 932) or one of 2 formulations of a comparator trivalent influenza vaccine [FLUARIX (Influenza Vaccine), TIV-1 (B Victoria), n = 929 or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), n = 932], each containing an influenza type B virus that corresponded to one of the 2 B viruses in FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (a type B virus of the Victoria lineage or a type B virus of the Yamagata lineage). The population was aged 3 through 17 years (mean age: 9 years) and 53% were male; 65% were white, 13% were Asian, 9% were black, and 13% were of other racial/ethnic groups. Children aged 3 through 8 years with no history of influenza vaccination received 2 doses approximately 28 days apart. Children aged 3 through 8 years with a history of influenza vaccination and children aged 9 years and older received one dose. Solicited local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in children are shown in Table 4.

Table 4: FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of Firs t Vaccination in Children Aged 3 through 17 Yearsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)

In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, FLUARIX TIV-1 (B Victoria), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), the incidences of adverse events following the second dose were generally lower than those observed after the first dose.

Unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of vaccination were reported in 30%, 31%, and 30% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 932), FLUARIX TIV-1 (B Victoria) (n = 929), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata) (n = 932), respectively. The unsolicited adverse events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT) included vomiting, pyrexia, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, cough, oropharyngeal pain, and rhinorrhea. Serious adverse events occurring within 28 days of any vaccination were reported in 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.2% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT, FLUARIX TIV-1 (B Victoria), or TIV-2 (B Yamagata), respectively.

Trial 3 (NCT01218308) was a randomized, observer-blind, non-influenza vaccine-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT. The trial included subjects aged 3 through 8 years who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT (n = 2,584) or HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) (n = 2,584) as a control vaccine. Children with no history of influenza vaccination received 2 doses of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or HAVRIX approximately 28 days apart (this dosing regimen for HAVRIX is not a U.S.-licensed schedule). Children with a history of influenza vaccination received one dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or HAVRIX. In the overall population, 52% were male; 60% were Asian, 5% were white, and 35% were of other racial/ethnic groups. The mean age of subjects was 5 years. Solicited local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events were collected for 7 days (day of vaccination and the next 6 days). The incidence of local adverse reactions and systemic adverse events occurring within 7 days of vaccination in children are shown in Table 5.

Table 5: FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT: Incidence of Solicited Local Adverse Reactions and Systemic Adverse Events within 7 Daysa of Firs t Vaccination in Children Aged 3 through 8 Yearsb (Total Vaccinated Cohort)

In children who received a second dose of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or HAVRIX, the incidences of adverse events following the second dose were generally lower than those observed after the first dose.

The frequency of unsolicited adverse events occurring within 28 days of vaccination was similar in both groups (33% for both FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and HAVRIX). The unsolicited adverse events that occurred most frequently (≥1% for FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT) included diarrhea, pyrexia, gastroenteritis, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, varicella, cough, and rhinorrhea. Serious adverse events occurring within 28 days of any vaccination were reported in 0.7% of subjects who received FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT and in 0.2% of subjects who received HAVRIX.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse events have been spontaneously reported during postapproval use of FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or FLULAVAL (trivalent influenza vaccine). Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their incidence rate or establish a causal relationship to the vaccine. Adverse events were included based on one or more of the following factors: severity, frequency of reporting, or strength of evidence for a causal relationship to FLULAVAL QUADRIVALENT or FLULAVAL.

Lymphadenopathy.

Eye pain, photophobia.

Dysphagia, vomiting.

Chest pain, injection site inflammation, asthenia, injection site rash, influenza-like symptoms, abnormal gait, injection site bruising, injection site sterile abscess.

Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema.

Rhinitis, laryngitis, cellulitis.

Muscle weakness, arthritis.

Dizziness, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hypokinesia, tremor, somnolence, syncope, Guillain-Barr� syndrome, convulsions/seizures, facial or cranial nerve paralysis, encephalopathy, limb paralysis.

Insomnia.

Dyspnea, dysphonia, bronchospasm, throat tightness.

Urticaria, localized or generalized rash, pruritus, sweating.

Flushing, pallor.

Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Flulaval (Influenza Virus Vaccine)

Influenza virus (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious disease caused by a virus. Influenza virus can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surfaces.

Nasal influenza virus vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by influenza virus. The vaccine is redeveloped each year to contain specific strains of activated (live) flu virus that are recommended by public health officials for that year.

The nasal influenza virus vaccine is a "live virus" vaccine. Influenza virus vaccine is also available in an injectable form, which is a "killed virus" vaccine.

Influenza virus vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which helps your body to develop immunity to the disease. Influenza virus vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Nasal influenza virus vaccine is for use in children and adults, between the ages of 2 and 49 years old.

Becoming infected with influenza is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Like any vaccine, influenza virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person. This vaccine will not prevent illness caused by avian flu ("bird flu").

The nasal influenza virus vaccine is a "live virus" vaccine. Influenza virus vaccine is also available in an injectable form, which is a "killed virus" vaccine. This medication guide addresses only the nasal spray form of this vaccine.

For at least 21 days after receiving nasal influenza virus vaccine, avoid close contact with anyone who has a weak immune system caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by certain medicines such as steroids, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. A person with a weak immune system can become ill if they have close contact with you after you have recently received an influenza vaccine.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have after receiving this vaccine. If you ever need to receive influenza virus vaccine in the future, you will need to tell your doctor if the previous dose caused any side effects.

Nasal influenza virus (live virus) vaccine may cause you to have mild flu-like symptoms. However, you may have flu-like symptoms at any time during flu season that may be caused by strains of influenza virus that are not contained in the vaccine.

Becoming infected with influenza is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Like any vaccine, influenza virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person. This vaccine will not prevent illness caused by avian flu ("bird flu").

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2013 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01. Revision date: 1/22/2013.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read,understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement,which can be accessed by clicking on this link.

• Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
• Flu (Influenza)
• Vaccination and Immunization Safety Information