"Seqirus Media Monitoring" 12th Sep 2019
Seqirus mentions
Flu vaccines for over-65s to be delivered on time, says supplier
The new season of flu vaccines for over-65s are due to be delivered on time despite manufacturing challenges, according to vaccine supplier Seqirus. The supplier manufactures the adjuvanted trivalent vaccine (aTIV) Fluad which is used for over-65s
Germany - The first flu vaccines are coming
In Germany, the new flu season is approaching. The Paul Ehrlich Institute has already released 14.2 million influenza vaccines. For the first time - since Optaflu flopped a few years ago - with Flucelvax Tetra a cell-based flu vaccine available. Due to the lack of egg adaptation of the vaccine viruses Flucelvax should fit better to the circulating influenza viruses and thus better protect against the flu.
CDC, AAP Release New Childhood Flu Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have released recommendations on childhood vaccinations for the 2019-2020 influenza season. The primary changes in recommendations this flu season compared to last year are: The age indication for Afluria Quadrivalent has been expanded from five years and older to six months and older. The dose volume for Afluria Quadrivalent is 0.25 mL for children aged six through 35 months and 0.5 mL for everyone three years and older, the CDC said
Industry News
U.S. health providers adjusting for delays in flu vaccine delivery
Doctors across the U.S. are preparing for delays for this season's flu vaccine. Formulation changes led at least one major manufacturer to ship its supply later than planned. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports Sanofi Pasteur delayed delivery of the influenza vaccine. "Probably a couple of months ago we had word from the manufacturer to that effect, that there could be a little bit of a delay in distributing the supplies this year," said Nancy Tausz, with the Johnson County Health Department. The delay of three to four weeks affects three types of vaccines. They make up approximately 40 percent of the U.S. flu vaccine market
70 Million Flu Shots Delayed — but You Can Still Get Vaccinated Early
Federal officials have announced that 70 million flu shots are being delayed this fall, but medical experts suggest this could actually help rather than hinder vaccinations for this year’s influenza season. “There is concern that because of the delay, you’ll miss some people… but to be honest, not everyone gets in right away [for the flu shot] like we want them to,” said Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, a pediatrician at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The delay is due to a reformulation of the flu shots. It affects Fluzone Quadrivalent, Fluzone High-Dose, and Flublok Quadrivalent, three formulations that make up about 40 percent of the market.
Delayed vaccine means flu season could arrive before shots are widely available
The flu vaccine could be delayed by up to a month this year, which means influenza season could hit Ottawa before the vaccine is widely available here, Medical Officer of Health Vera Etches warns. The World Health Organization recommends the contents of the annual flu vaccine for the northern and southern hemispheres. This year the recommendation for the northern hemisphere vaccine was delayed by one month, “which may have implications for vaccine supply and timely availability,” said Etches
Flu jab 2019: What does the vaccine cost? Where to get the cheapest jab
In the UK the flu vaccine is available each year from late September or early October onwards. Last year, more than 14 million adults and children in England were vaccinated against flu. For the over 65s there is a stronger strength flu shot. For anyone not eligible for a free flu jab, it is still possible to get vaccinated at a relatively low cost in a pharmacy.
Pandemic Influenza News
Public Health England launches new infectious disease strategy
Over the last decade, 19 new genetic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance have been identified in bacteria causing infections in the UK. The findings come as Public Health England sets out a new 5-year infectious diseases strategy to address urgent current and future threats to our health. Globally, the infectious diseases challenges of today are amplified by increased movement of people and climate change. These increase the chances that we will witness a global pandemic in the coming years, including pandemic influenza and novel viruses
Convention-goers get a peek at DC Public Health Lab
Dead mosquitoes large and small, colorful Petri dishes, and fluorescent-green rabies antibody tests were among the sights during two Aug. 1 tours at the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences for some of the attendees at AVMA Convention 2019 in Washington, D.C. The groups went behind the scenes at the department's Public Health Laboratory. According to a fact sheet, in the department's 2018 fiscal year, "PHL conducted over 4,000 test procedures including influenza subtyping, rabies testing, arbovirus screening, and testing for foodborne outbreaks." The laboratory does whole genome sequencing for outbreaks of foodborne disease and for influenza, the latter key because so many people come in and out of Washington, D.C.
Academic studies
Genetic Mutation Linked To Flu-Related Cardiac Complications
Researchers at Ohio State University's College of Medicine have linked heart issues related to the flu with a common genetic mutation. The gene IFITM3 makes a protein critical in the early stages of the body's immune response. Mutations impede the protein's production making the virus more likely to infect the heart and cause fibrosis. Researchers say knowing that an individual has this genetic mutation may help doctors better tailor their care. But for now, they say the best defense for everyone remains the annual flu vaccine.
Oregon Health & Science University awarded $1.7M grant for flu vaccine development
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) became one of at least six institutions this week to win grant funding for a long-lasting and more effective flu vaccine as part of the Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute’s Grand Challenge for Universal Influenza Vaccine Development. In OHSU’s case, researchers will utilize its existing vaccine platform for development, as it has already been utilized for HIV and tuberculosis vaccine development
Stewardship / Resistance Scan for Sep 10, 2019
A small study led by researchers from Stanford University and funded by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases suggests that oral antibiotics may alter the human immune response to the flu vaccine. In the study, which was published in the journal Cell, the researchers set out to investigate the role of the human gut microbiota in shaping immune responses to the seasonal flu vaccine. "Here, we have demonstrated the potential for antibiotic-driven perturbation of the microbiome to influence immune responses to vaccination in healthy adults," the authors of the study write.
Circadian control of lung inflammation in influenza infection
Influenza is a leading cause of respiratory mortality and morbidity. While inflammation is essential for fighting infection, a balance of anti-viral defense and host tolerance is necessary for recovery. Circadian rhythms have been shown to modulate inflammation. However, the importance of diurnal variability in the timing of influenza infection is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that endogenous rhythms affect survival in influenza infection.
Can a DNA construction kit replace expensive antibody medication?
A team led by Professor Kevin Hollevoet and Professor Paul Declerck of the Laboratory for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies in collaboration with Dr Nick Geukens of PharmAbs has developed a technique that enables the body itself to produce specific antibodies. The lab is now working with different research groups and companies to improve the technique. One of the big challenges is to select the most appropriate antibodies. "In principle, we can inject the DNA code of any antibody, but we focus on diseases where this approach can help patients the best," Hollevoet explains. "Currently, we are mostly focused on cancer treatments, among others immune therapy. We also see possibilities for infectious diseases like HIV and the flu, and neurological diseases like Alzheimer's."
PLOS, Center for Open Science, and Flu Lab collaborate to Open Influenza Research
Despite the global implications of potential epidemic, gaps still exist in our understanding of influenza which we can only begin to solve by making more of the research— including replication studies and negative results—publicly available. The Flu Lab, the Center for Open Science (COS) and PLOS have announced a three-pronged collaboration to open influenza research and help tackle this perennial and massive threat to global health. PLOS ONE is publishing peer-reviewed research arising from a call for proposals funded and coordinated by the Flu Lab and COS. This will form part of a special collection, alongside commentaries and perspectives published by PLOS Biology and PLOS Pathogens.
Asthma in Patients Hospitalized for Influenza
Asthma among individuals hospitalized for influenza is more common among women. These patients have favorable clinical outcomes and mild serum inflammatory response, according to a study recently published in European Respiratory Journal.
Pediatric influenza news
RivCo 4-Year-Old Dies From Flu-Related Complications
In the U.S., a Perris child died from complications from the flu, marking the first death originating in Riverside County in the current influenza season, health officials said. "We should never forget that the flu still kills," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the county's public health officer. "I always recommend people get their flu shots every year, but a death so early in the flu season suggests this year may be worse than usual. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving."
“We Don’t Get the Flu Vaccine”
A doctor writes: "As a pediatric intensive care physician who also cares for children in a pediatric urgent care setting, I have treated a wide spectrum of acute illnesses, ranging from splinters in fingers to children on life-support. Given that I have seen children on life-support with influenza and children die from influenza, there is one statement from parents that I still find baffling: “We don’t get the flu vaccine.”
Over 65’s influenza news
Getting A Flu Vaccine Can Prevent Hospitalization Or Even Death For Seniors
A yearly flu vaccine before the onset of influenza activity has been widely recommended for almost everyone ages 6 months and older. Dr. Gianni Neil from Chen Senior Medical Center explains: "The flu vaccine is very safe. If you are 65 and older and you have multiple medical problems it is even more important for you to receive the flu vaccine to prevent hospitalizations if you become exposed to the flu."
General Influenza News
Health experts: vaping can increase your chances of getting the flu
If you think vaping is bad for your heart and your lungs, a new study shows it can also up your chances of getting the flu, especially if you are a woman. Local doctors with American Family Care (AFC) are warning patients about the health dangers of vaping as well as other habits that could put you at a higher risk of picking up flu infested germs over the next few months. A study revealed puffing on an e-cigarette disrupts a person's normal immune response to viral infections, like flu. The study also concluded that vaping really can take a toll on a woman’s immune system.
Global Vaccination Summit: Questions & Answers
The European Commission has organized a Global Vaccination Summit on September 12, 2019, to give high-level visibility and political endorsement to the topic of vaccination, which is one of the most successful public health measures, saving millions of lives every year. In cooperation with WHO, this event in Belgium aims at demonstrating European leadership for a global commitment to vaccinations, boosts political commitment towards eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and engages various leaders in global action against the spread of vaccine misinformation.
Getting Your Flu Shot Isn't Only About You, Doctors Say
If you plan to visit your grandparents during the holidays or meet your friend’s new baby in the next couple months, you should get your flu shot, experts say. “Everyone should get vaccinated,” said Dr. Marc Itskowitz, who specializes in internal and preventive medicine at Allegheny Health Network. “Remember that you are going to come into contact with a lot of people throughout flu season.” During the 2018-19 flu season, 28 people in Allegheny County died from complications of the virus. Despite this reality, less than 45 percent of American adults got the flu shot last year.
VA providing free flu shots through March 31
In Kansas, all veterans enrolled in the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System can now get their free flu shot. The vaccines are available without an appointment at the Topeka and Leavenworth VA medical centers and all associated community based outpatient clinics. The vaccines are also available at all Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Clinics. They are also available at any Walgreens, but in a standard dose. Alternate dosages for people over 65 will still be billed
What to know for upcoming flu shot season
Flu shot season is coming up, and the Mankato Clinic says everyone aged six months old and up should get their flu shot by the end of October. According to the clinic and the CDC, getting the shot is important for those at high risk of complications from the flu. This includes those 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and children under five.
Flu shot myths debunked
Flu season is almost here and health officials at the Benton-Franklin Health District are reminding people to get their flu shot. Dr.Amy Person works as a health officer at Benton Franklin Health District and said there are so many people who die from influenza every year. According to the CDC 79,400 people died from the flu from 2017-2018 and 48.8 million people got sick with the flu. Dr.Person debunked some of the most common myths surrounding the flu shot.
HPHA bracing for ‘aggressive’ flu strain this winter
The four hospitals in the Huron-Perth Healthcare Alliance are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best for this year’s flu season. Executive Director Andrew Williams said they look to Australia to get an idea of what to expect here, and so far it’s been a fairly aggressive flu strain in Australia. He said they’re trying to be proactive in the Alliance hospitals. “We certainly have a very visible influenza vaccine campaign with staff and volunteers and we’re always striving for 100 per cent uptake on that so we probably have one of the highest immunization rates of hospitals in the country,” said Williams.
Heritage Valley to host Flu Shot Fridays
Heritage Valley Health System will offer discounted flu shots at its ConvenientCare clinics every Friday from September through December. Flu Shot Fridays, part of the health system’s Stay Well Aware with Heritage Valley campaign, is designed to increase access to health screenings and services, hospital officials said.
Flu vaccine available to Albertans starting Oct. 21
Alberta pharmacists and health-care workers are preparing for the upcoming 2019-2020 flu season. Starting Oct. 21, people aged five and up will be able to receive the influenza vaccine at their local pharmacy. Unfortunately for those hoping to avoid a needle, the nasal flu vaccine will not offered this year.
Burden of disease
Treasure Coast overall sees low amount influenza going into flu season
In all three counties on the Treasure Coast, cases of influenza are considered normal as the area gets close to the start of flu season. "As the season approaches, the usual lower number of cases we see in the summer will likely increase," said Arlease Hall, spokeswoman for the St. Lucie County Department of Health. "It is difficult to predict exactly what the flu season will look like." Hall said in the past four weeks, the agency received less than 1 percent of reports of infuenza or flu-like illnesses. She said less than 1 percent is typical for this time of year.
Pune civic health officials screen over 4,000 patients in a day for swine flu
As many as 4,369 patients presenting with influenza like illness were screened for swine flu at Pune Municipal Corporation (India) run screening centres in the city on a single day on September 10. With this, the total number of patients with influenza-like illness who were screened in the city so far this year has reached 7.07 lakh. "Of the 7.07 lakh screened patients, we administered oseltamivir tablets popularly known as Tamiflu or Fluvir to a total 11,397 patients who were suspected to have contracted the infection," said a PMC health official.
Flu Surveillance in Animals
California H5N2 avian flu case resolved, OIE reports
A case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) that was reported in a flock of breeder ducks and geese in Monterey County, California, has been resolved, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported. The case was initially reported to the OIE in April.