Will Vaccine Manufacturers go into Overdrive this Flu Season?
Experts have warned that influenza is poised for a return this flu season. Despite most of the public’s attention remaining on COVID, influenza is still a threat, and key vaccine manufacturers are gearing up to help fight it.
The news comes after reports of influenza circulating in the Southern Hemisphere at high levels. Health officials have predicted that the viral infection is on the rise despite very low flu activity in recent years as a result of COVID-19 mitigation.
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Influenza is a contagious respiratory condition affecting the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can lead to death in fatal cases. The most common symptoms include high temperature, aching of the body, fatigue, and a headache.
Whilst these flu-like symptoms can be treated by getting plenty of rest, keeping warm, and drinking plenty of fluids, the best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Vaccine manufacturers Sequirus are on track to deliver over 55 million flu doses to the US, whilst GSK aims to supply more than 50 million this season. Sanofi is also anticipating a record number of influenza vaccine sales this year.
The news comes after reports of influenza circulating in the Southern Hemisphere at high levels.
For its contribution, Sanofi is marketing a high-dose Fluzone vaccine for those aged 65 years and over, and Flublok, a recombinant protein-based flu vaccine.
Seqirus likewise offer a differentiated array of vaccines. Fluad Quadrivalent is an adjuvanted vaccine which is designed to deliver a robust immune response for people 65 years and older. Flucelvax Quadrivalent, on the other hand, is a cell-based vaccine to tackle World Health Organization-selected influenza strains for six months and older.
Vaccination against influenza will be more important than ever this flu season. Moreover, immunisation will go a long way in helping to minimise the burden of flu on the healthcare system should COVID-19 begin to spike again.
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