FDA approves another quadrivalent influenza vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration announced on Aug. 16 the approval of another new vaccine that protects against four strains of seasonal influenza in people aged 3 years and older.
The new vaccine, Flulaval Quadrivalent, is an intramuscular quadrivalent vaccine, named for its ability to protect against two A virus strains and two B virus strains of the influenza virus and is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Until 2012, influenza vaccines protected against only one B virus strain, Dr. Leonard Friedland, vice president and director of scientific affairs and public health for GSK Vaccines North America, noted in a written statement.
"Trivalent vaccines do reduce influenza risk, even in years when a vaccine strain-mismatch occurs, though quadrivalent influenza vaccines are the important next step in broadening strain coverage," said Dr. Friedland.
GlaxoSmithKline will begin distributing the drug in time for the 2013-2014 flu season.