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Pharmaceutical industry

FDA Announces Most Common Flu Virus Strains for Upcoming Season

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the three most common flu virus strains expected to be prevalent during the upcoming flu season, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization. This year's flu vaccine will include the same virus strains as last year's, with six vaccine brands and manufacturers available: Afluria (CSL Limited), Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals), FluLaval (ID Biomedical Corp.), FluMist (MedImmune Vaccines Inc.), Fluvirin (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics), and Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur Inc.). Additionally, the FDA has approved two new flu vaccinations for people between 18 and 64 years old: Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Intradermal shots, which use shorter needles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has announced the three most common flu virus strains for the upcoming season, in collaboration with the CDC and World Health Organization.
  • The flu vaccine for this season will include the same virus strains as last year's vaccine.
  • Six vaccine brands and manufacturers are available: Afluria (CSL Limited), Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals), FluLaval (ID Biomedical Corp.), FluMist (MedImmune Vaccines Inc.), Fluvirin (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics), and Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur Inc.).
  • Two new flu vaccinations are available for people between 18 and 64 years old: Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Intradermal shots, which use shorter needles.
  • The FDA approved the Fluzone Intradermal shots in May 2011.
  • According to the CDC, between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, with approximately 3,000 to 49,000 people dying from influenza annually, depending on the severity of the season.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 to 49,000 people die from influenza each year, depending on the severity of the season (CDC).
  • 200,000 people are typically hospitalized each year due to influenza (CDC).
  • 5% to 20% of the U.S. population develops influenza each year (CDC).

Sources:

  • CQ HealthBeat: Same-day coverage of the people and events shaping health care policy from Washington.
  • Congressional Quarterly Inc. (CQ Inc.). All Rights Reserved.

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