Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2017-2018 northern hemisphere influenza season
2 March 2017
It is recommended that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2017-2018 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following:
an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus; and
a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
It is recommended that quadrivalent vaccines containing two influenza B viruses contain the above three viruses and a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.
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The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration has selected the influenza vaccine strains for the 2017-2018 influenza season, which begins in the fall of 2017.
The committee overwhelmingly voted to back the World Health Organization’s March 2 recommendations for influenza vaccine composition in the northern hemisphere (NH) for the upcoming influenza season. Three of the four recommended strains are unchanged from last season.
For trivalent influenza vaccines, the panel voted unanimously to include an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; this is changed from A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, but it is the same as 2017 southern hemisphere recommendations. The panel voted 10-yes, 0-no, with 1 abstention to include an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus, with no change from the previous season’s NH recommendation; and 10-yes, 0-no, with 1 abstention to include a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus (B/Victoria lineage); there was no change from 2016-2017 NH recommendations.
For quadrivalent vaccines containing two influenza B viruses, the committee voted unanimously to add a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata) to the recommended trivalent vaccine strains. This recommendation was unchanged from the 2016-2017 NH recommendation.
Each country’s national or regional authorities approve the composition and formulation of vaccines used there.
Influenza Activity 2016-2017 Season
During the 2016-2017 influenza season, influenza A (H3N2) viruses were predominant in most countries. Most recent viruses were antigenically related to cell culture–propagated 3C.2a A/Hong Kong/4801/2014-like viruses.
Overall, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 activity was low globally. Most recent A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were indistinguishable from the present vaccine virus A/California/07/2009 and A/Michigan/45/2015 (vaccine virus for 2017 southern hemisphere).
B/Victoria/2/87 lineage viruses were the most predominant influenza B viruses in many countries in South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Most were closely related antigenically and genetically to B/Brisbane/60/2008 and B/Texas/2/2013.
In other regions, the levels of cocirculating B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineage viruses were similar. Most recent B/Yamagata/16/88 lineage viruses were closely related antigenically and genetically to B/Phuket/3073/2013.
In the United States, there appears to be no clear way of predicting whether B/Victoria or B/Yamagata will be more prevalent in the coming season. Month by month, the two viruses cycle up and down, Jacqueline Katz, PhD, deputy director, Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in Atlanta, Georgia, explained to the panel.
“Currently in the [United States]…B/Yamagata is edging out B/Victoria,” Dr Katz said.
Vaccine Effectiveness
The current influenza vaccine has been 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37% – 57%) effective in preventing influenza-related medical visits in all age groups, the CDC reported on February 17. According to the report, the vaccine was 43% (95% CI, 29% – 54%) effective against influenza A (H3N2) viruses and 73% (95% CI, 54% – 84%) effective against influenza B–related illness.
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Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2016-2017 northern hemisphere influenza season
25 February 2016
It is recommended that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2016-2017 influenza season (northern hemisphere winter) contain the following:
an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus;
a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
It is recommended that quadrivalent vaccines containing two influenza B viruses contain the above three viruses and a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.
For more information
Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2016-2017 northern hemisphere influenza season – full report
pdf, 140kb
Questions and answers – Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines
pdf, 69kb
Candidate vaccine viruses and potency testing reagents for development and production of vaccines for use in the northern hemisphere 2016-2017 influenza season
Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09
pdf, 172kb
Influenza A(H3N2)
pdf, 120kb
Influenza B Yamagata Lineage
pdf, 137kb
Influenza B Victoria Lineage
pdf, 126kb
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It is recommended that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2015-2016 influenza season (northern hemisphere winter) contain the following:
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.
It is recommended that quadrivalent vaccines containing two influenza B viruses contain the above three viruses and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
ABO Pharmaceuticals is now accepting orders for the 2015-2016 Influenza Season. Please contact your Got Flu? Rep for pre-booking specials and get priority ship dates!
References:
1.) “WHO: Influenza” http://www.who.int
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The first jet injector that is FDA approved for delivery of an influenza vaccine. AFLURIA® Influenza Vaccine is FDA Approved for use with PharmaJet’s Needle-Jet injectors.
The device delivers vaccines either intramuscularly or subcutaneously by means of a narrow, precise fluid stream syringe that delivers the medicine or vaccine through the skin. PharmaJet has proven that it expands immunization coverage, eliminates the risk of needle sticks, reduces health care costs and offers a better patient experience. For more information on PharmaJet, please visithttp://www.abopharmaceuticals.com/pharmajet
References:
1.) “Needle-Free” www.pharmajet.com
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CSL Behring awards ABO Pharmaceuticals Authorized Distributor for Stimate – The first and only high-concentration desmopressin acetate nasal spray that triggers your body’s natural ability to release von Willebrand factor (VWF), so that your blood can clot properly.
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CSL Behring awards ABO Pharmaceuticals Authorized Distributor status for Cytogam – A critical life saving Product for organ transplant recipients
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Our ‘got flu?’ Program eases the stress of the Flu Season by ensuring the availability of influenza vaccine from not one, but all major manufacturers, including afluria®, the Thimerosal-Free Flu Vaccine.
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Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics has announced the introduction of RhoGAM® and MICRhoGAM® Ultra-Filtered PLUS with continued enhancements, insuring the products legacy of safety and quality. There have been several upgrades to the products safety and packaging.
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ABO Pharmaceuticals proudly announces their contribution to the safety and security of the pharmaceutical supply chain by implementing the rfXcel E-Pedigree® Solution. The rfXcel Active ePedigree® Management Solution facilitates our compliance with state and Federal Drug Pedigree requirements. All ABO customers and trading partners can now sign directly into ABO’s E-Pedigree program to view all pedigrees.
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