"Seqirus Media Monitoring" 21st Sep 2020
Seqirus mentions
The regular flu shot is not as effective for people over 65 — here are the options for senior-specific flu shots
In the U.S., seniors can get the standard flu shot, but it may not be as effective, since people over the age of 65 have a weaker immune system. A high dose flu vaccine that has four times as many antigens than a regular flu shot is a better option for seniors. There are two types of vaccines that the CDC recommends for people over 65: the high dose flu vaccine, also called Fluzone, and the adjuvanted flu vaccine, known as Fluad
Health officials stress importance of receiving flu vaccine before October's end
In Texas, an Upshur County health official is speaking out about the importance of flu vaccination after collecting roughly seven years of data that shows only a portion of Upshur County residents receive the vaccine each year. The clinics will offer two vaccines this year. The quadrivalent vaccine will guard against four strains of flu rather than the usual three and is available to those over the age of 12. These four-in-one vaccines will protect against two common Type A strains called H1N1 and H3N2, and the two distinct strains of Type B. The high-dose Fluad quadrivalent vaccine will be available for those over the age of 65. This vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen as the standard vaccine and may be of benefit for older adults.
MRFF backs COVID-19 vaccine candidate
The Commonwealth Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has invested almost $3 million into new COVID-19 vaccine candidates led out of Melbourne. The two vaccine candidates were developed by a team of researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), and are providing encouraging results in preclinical testing. This project is also supported by Seqirus.
Another Dengvaxia fiasco feared
As the Philippines continues to negotiate supply deals with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine makers, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) on Friday urged the government not to repeat the mistakes from the controversial dengue vaccine Dengvaxia. VACC President Arsenio Evangelista was referring to the controversy that arose in November 2017 after the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur issued a belated advisory that its Dengvaxia vaccine could lead to more severe symptoms of dengue for patients who have never been infected by the virus prior to vaccination.
Industry News
EU pays $384 million for Sanofi-GSK COVID vaccine as WHO scheme deadline looms
The European Union has agreed to buy a potential COVID-19 vaccine from Sanofi and GSK in its second such deal to secure supplies, as a deadline for joining the World Health Organization's (WHO) vaccine purchase programme looms. Sanofi and GSK started clinical trials of their vaccine this month and aim to reach the final testing stage by December. The vaccine candidate uses the same recombinant protein-based technology as one of Sanofi’s seasonal influenza vaccines. It will be coupled with an adjuvan made by GSK.
European advisory group backs Sanofi meningitis and flu vaccines
The European Medicines Agency's advisory group CHMP has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of Sanofi's Supemtek, its quadrivalent flu vaccine [two A subtypes (H1N1, H3N2) and two B types].
Pandemic Influenza News
How does avian influenza spread between populations?
New insights from a study of the last major avian influenza outbreak in the UK have shed light on the process by which highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtypes can be transmitted from wild migrating bird populations to domestic flocks and back again. The research, led by a team including scientists at the Roslin Institute and published in PNAS, underlines the need for effective biosecurity to prevent indirect contact between wild and domestic birds as winter approaches. Working as part of the Global Consortium for H5N8 and Related Influenza Viruses, researchers found HPAI viruses can easily exchange genetic material with other, less harmful, viruses at times and locations corresponding to wild birds’ migratory cycles in Europe.
Academic studies
Study Finds Concerning Lack of Influenza Vaccination Among ASCVD Patients
With the onset of influenza season, patients with morbidities, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), face an increased risk of mortality, severity of infection, and hospital readmissions. Influenza vaccinations, however, have been shown to reduce such risks in these types of patients. New survey data collected from 2008-2016 reveals that nearly 1/3 of adults with ASCVD did not get vaccinated for influenza. Furthermore, this lack of vaccination is higher among vulnerable sociodemographic groups.
Pediatric influenza news
Schoolchildren, tots and care home workers offered flu 'vaccines' in extended winter 2020 programme
In Ireland, year eight school children and care home staff are among those eligible for a flu vaccine under this year’s extended programme. Parents are also being urged to have children aged two and over as of September 1 vaccinated as small children don’t always cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and are viewed a super spreaders. The kids vaccine comes in the form of a quick and painless nose spray - which will be delivered at the GPs for toddlers and in school for year eights.
Study shows similar hospitalization, ICU admission rates among kids with COVID-19, flu
In a single-center study, researchers observed no significant differences in mechanical ventilator use, hospitalization or ICU admission rates among children with COVID-19 compared with children with influenza. “There may have been either an under- or overestimation of the potential severity of COVID in children. This paper now places that estimate in context of something clinicians are familiar with: influenza,” Xiaoyan Song, MBBS, PhD, MSc, director of infection control and epidemiology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and professor of pediatrics at George Washington University, told Healio.
Over 65’s influenza news
Elderly urged to take flu vaccine to avoid healthcare system ‘overload’ on Spain’s Costa Blanca
In Spain, the Valencia region is inviting the elderly and those considered at-risk to get their flu shot to reduce the strain on the healthcare system in the months to come. A region-wide campaign begins on October 5 by appointment only in order to comply with social-distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 800,000 doses of vaccine will be distributed by the Ministry of Health
General Influenza News
Coronavirus in Ireland: Doctors speak out over flu jab shortages
In Ireland, doctors have said they cannot organise mass flu vaccination clinics because they have been given only a small supply of the jab from the health service. It emerged last month that the delivery of the vaccination was delayed by a number of weeks. A spokesman for the Department of Health said for the initial deliveries the quantities delivered to sites were the same as in previous years. He added: “All shipments are expected to be delivered before the end of October. The HSE is in daily contact with the manufacturer. This delay is affecting all relevant customers, not just Ireland; the Irish order is among the first batches released.”
‘Vital’ for nurses to take up flu jab this year, warns CNO
The annual call for health and care staff to take up the offer of a free influenza vaccination is more imperative than ever this year in light of Covid-19, England’s chief nursing officer has warned. With the first flu vaccine deliveries due to reach employers this week, Ruth May has made a direct appeal to nursing staff across the country to get a jab ahead of the winter during a pandemic. Alongside the other top-level professional leaders, Ms May has penned an open letter to more than a million frontline workers urging them to “protect yourself, your family and our patients”.
Health staff urged to get flu vaccine to minimise sickness absence this winter
In England, senior clinicians and health leaders have urged frontline health and social care staff to get their annual flu jab as soon as possible, to protect themselves and their patients. The call comes as the first flu vaccine deliveries start to reach local employers. Hospitals and other local NHS organisations across England are preparing to run drop-in clinics and campaigns to encourage frontline staff and other eligible healthcare employees to take up the vaccine.
Welsh pharmacies to be paid £11.83 per flu jab for 2020/21 season
Welsh pharmacies will be paid a total of £11.83 per flu vaccination during the 2020-21 season, Community Pharmacy Wales (CPW) has announced. Following negotiations between CPW and the Welsh government, an uplift of £1.75 per vaccination has been agreed for the 2020-21 season, to reflect the “additional workload associated” with providing the service during the COVID-19 pandemic, CPW said. The total amount payable to pharmacies in Wales per flu vaccination is £1.75 more than pharmacy contractors in England will receive.
Brits furious as flu vaccine appointments are delayed - raising concerns of a shortage
As per government guidance, many Brits have tried to book flu vaccine appointments to protect themselves this winter. However, reports on social media indicate that many of these appointments have been either cancelled or delayed, suggesting there could already be a shortage. Lloyds Pharmacy posted a tweet, encouraging Brits to ‘book your flu jab appointment online now.' Several people have replied, questioning why the chain is still encouraging people to book appointments, when their own appointments have been cancelled. According to The Times, officials said the government has only bought enough flu jabs to vaccinate 75% of those eligible and “would have to try to buy extra stock if more came forward”.
Edinburgh drive-through flu jab clinics set up due to Covid-19 pandemic to take pressure off NHS this winter could be ‘blueprint’ for future vaccination delivery
Drive-through flu jab centres will be running in Edinburgh from the end of September to make vaccination more accessible and take pressure off the NHS this winter - and it could be the ‘blueprint’ for delivering vaccines in future. Health boards across Scotland will be delivering the expanded vaccination programme and will be taking a phased approach, allowing boards to begin vaccination for different groups, prioritising those at most risk
North Wales Flu Campaign launched by actor Michael Sheen
We all need to protect ourselves, our communities and our NHS this winter – that is the call coming from Welsh film star Michael Sheen. The call comes as people across North Wales are being urged to make sure they get their flu vaccination this year. The potential for co-circulation of COVID-19 at the same time will make this year’s vaccination programme more important than ever before.
Full list of people who can have a flu jab this winter in 'biggest' ever programme
Millions more Brits are expected to receive the flu jab this year in what the government has called the “biggest” programme ever. More than 30 million people could be vaccinated during the upcoming flu season, although there are reports appointments are delayed - raising concerns of a shortage.
Surgery forced to cancel flu jab clinic due to supply chain issue
A doctor surgery in west Cumbria has issued a profound apology after its flu jab clinic was cancelled due to "issues with the supply chain". A spokesman for NHS North Cumbria CCG said deliveries of the vaccine where happening, but surgeries do not get them all the same time. “Practices across north Cumbria are planning, and already delivering, their flu vaccine programme this year."
Flu jab every 60 seconds
In Kent, more than one vaccination was administered every minute at a surgery’s first flu jab clinic. Nurses from Park Surgery in Herne Bay inoculated 450 people on Saturday at a specially-equipped unit at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital. The practice opened the clinic at the King Edward Avenue infirmary in a bid to help it inject 3,000 more people than originally planned after the government widened eligibility. They are now hoping to carry out up to 500 jabs during the weekly clinics.
Health Officials Advise Flu Shot to Avoid Dealing With Flu, COVID at the Same Time
U.S. health officials are warning the public to get a flu shot this year to avoid having to deal with COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously. Gary Simon, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at George Washington University in Washington, told The Washington Post the prospect of beating back both diseases is making 2020 “a very tough year.”
Missouri health department seeks to fund counties' anti-flu efforts
The more than $17,000 contract between the Missouri and Cole County health departments approved this week by the Cole County Commission is an example of how the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services wants to use federal money this year to boost influenza vaccinations. Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state's anti-flu campaign will start Monday. Usually about 45 percent of people get vaccinated against the flu, but Williams would like that number to be 60 percent this year, he said.
More Canadians planning to get the flu shot: survey
With the flu season approaching during a pandemic, a new survey shows more Canadians intend to get the flu shot this time around. The survey from Pharmasave polled about 7,000 customers in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. The results show 86 per cent of respondents plan to get the flu shot, up from 78 per cent who said they were immunized the year before. Allison Bodnar is the CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. She says about 40 per cent of Nova Scotians got their annual flu show last year, but there appears to be an increased interest in the vaccinations this flu season.
Influenza vaccination plan aims to reduce COVID-19 effects
In Iran, the Ministry of Health will start a national plan on Tuesday aiming to provide two million doses of influenza vaccines for at-risk groups such as the elderly, transplant patients, cardiopulmonary patients, and pregnant women to reduce COVID-19 effects, Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, head of the Food and Drug Administration, has said. “This year, we have predicted about 14 million doses of influenza vaccine for the people, compared to last year of 1.6 million doses,” he stated.
Burden of disease
Hope from down under: masks and distancing keep flu at bay
Britain has received a welcome boost from the other side of the world. Countries in the southern hemisphere are experiencing record low levels of flu and some have hardly any cases. In New Zealand, some GPs have not seen a single patient with the flu in months. In Australia, a tracking system that monitors tens of thousands of people for symptoms last week declared “flu-like illness activity is historically low”. For all the hope drifting north from the southern hemisphere, John McCauley, the director of the WHO’s collaborating centre for reference and research on influenza in London, remains cautious. “We can’t gamble on that — we need to get vaccinated,” he said.
Britain may not see a 'double whammy' of Covid-19 and flu this winter
Britain may not see a 'double-whammy' of coronavirus and flu infections this winter because social distancing measures designed to control Covid-19 have prevented influenza from spreading, experts have said. This year Australia, which has similar flu outbreaks to Britain, has seen influenza infections plunge to historic lows.
Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline Britain 'almost certainly' will not see two consecutive waves of flu and coronavirus. 'There's been virtually no influenza around in the southern hemisphere during their flu season this year and the reason for that is obvious,' he said. 'The things we're doing to control Covid are even more effective on influenza.'
Southern Hemisphere Flu Season Fizzled Out Before Starting
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza activity was reported at lower levels than expected for this time of the year. As an example, in the temperate zones of the Southern Hemisphere, the influenza season has not started. Despite continued or even increased testing for influenza in some countries in the southern hemisphere, very few influenza detections were reported, reported the WHO on September 14, 2020. However, the WHO says ‘the current influenza surveillance data should be interpreted with caution as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced to varying extents health-seeking behaviors in the Member States.
Silver lining? Cases of infectious diseases plunge amid anti-COVID measures
Lockdowns and other tough measures implemented to fight the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a dramatic decline in other infectious illnesses such as influenza and sexually transmitted infections, public health data suggest. The normal incidence of influenza, which typically kills about 8,000 Canadians a year when combined with pneumonia, dropped suddenly in mid-March as anti-pandemic restrictions kept people at home and idled businesses. In fact, the latest federal statistics indicate flu across Canada dipped to its lowest seasonal level in nine years -- and has stayed there at least through much of August
Flu Surveillance in Animals
Veterinarians answer questions on influenza
With influenza A virus (IAV-S) in swine continuing to cause performance losses on US pig farms, veterinarians have taken up the mantle to find solutions. A thorough review devoted to IAV-S was held at the 2020 annual meeting of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, culminating in a roundtable discussion. The session highlighted research advancements in control and diagnostics.