- Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recognizes superior efficacy of high-dose flu vaccine for adults +65 years compared to a standard dose vaccine -
TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - Sanofi Pasteur announces that FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza (flu) Vaccine will be available for the first time in Canada for purchase at select pharmacies and vaccination clinics across the country starting today.
As the immune system declines with age, older adults do not respond to standard dose flu vaccines as well as younger adults.1,2 FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine has been shown to generate an enhanced vaccine-induced immune response in those 65 years of age and older compared to a standard dose vaccine.,2,3
Importantly, a large, randomized, clinical trial also demonstrated that FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine provided superior efficacy against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness compared to a standard dose vaccine in adults 65 years of age and older.2,3,4
In its immunization advisory statement for the upcoming 2016/2017 influenza season, Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has stated: ‘Considering the burden of disease associated with influenza A (H3N2) and the evidence of superior efficacy of high dose TIV compared to standard dose TIV, it appears that high dose TIV would provide the greatest benefit to the 65 years age group’.3
For many people, recovering from influenza infections may take seven to ten days.3 However, it may take longer for adults 65 years of age and older to recover as they are at risk of developing more severe complications or worsening underlying medical conditions.3,5,6 Further, influenza may trigger medical events like strokes and heart attacks because of the possible destabilizing effects that the inflammatory response can have on the cardiovascular system.6,
Where to get high-dose vaccine
At this time, the high-dose influenza vaccine is not publicly funded but is available for purchase at some pharmacies or vaccination clinics. To find out where you can purchase this vaccine, enter your postal code in the locator at www.fluhd.ca.
About FLUZONE® High-Dose Vaccine
FLUZONE® High-Dose is a trivalent influenza vaccine that contains four times the amount of hemagglutinin (HA) per strain as compared to a standard dose vaccine.2,4 FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine is indicated for active immunization against influenza caused by the specific strains of influenza virus contained in the vaccine in adults 65 years of age and older.2 It is administered as a single 0.5 mL injection by the intramuscular route.2 Higher rates of some injection-site and systemic reactions were observed among recipients of the high-dose vaccine compared to a standard-dose vaccine, but most reactions were mild and resolved within three days.1,2,4
FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine has been available in the United States since 2009 with approximately 50 million doses distributed.
For more information about FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine, please visit: www.fluhd.ca
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi is organized into five global business units: Diabetes and Cardiovascular, General Medicines and Emerging Markets, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur and Merial. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT:SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur produces a portfolio of high quality vaccines that matches its areas of expertise and meets public-health demand. The company’s heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.ca.
References:
____________________________
1 Public Health Agency of Canada (2016). An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): A Review of the Literature of High Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for Adults 65 Years and Older. |
2 Product Monograph: FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Virus Vaccine Trivalent Types A and B (Split Virion). Sanofi Pasteur. Approved May 2016 |
3 Public Health Agency of Canada (2016). An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2016-2017. |
4 DiazGranados, C.A. et al. (2014). Efficacy of high-dose versus standard-dose influenza vaccine in older adults. The New England Journal of Medicine 371, 635-645. |
5 Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. People at High Risk of Developing Flu Related Complications. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. Accessed September 2016. |
6 Udell J.A., et al. (2015). Does influenza vaccination influence cardiovascular complications? Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 13:593-596. |
*Against lab-confirmed influenza illness compared to a standard dose influenza vaccine |
FLUZONE® Influenza Virus Vaccine Trivalent Types A and B (Split Virion) |
FLUZONE® High-Dose Influenza Vaccine is not indicated to treat or prevent heart attacks or stroke. |
SOURCE Sanofi Pasteur
