Quadrivalent flu vaccine that fights against four strains of Influenza approved

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDMar 2 2012

The first quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against four influenza strains has been approved by the FDA, the agency announced this week.

The FluMist Quadrivalent vaccine from AstraZeneca's MedImmune unit protects against two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B, and is approved for people ages 2 to 49. Similar to the previously approved FluMist, the new vaccine is a nasal spray that delivers weakened strains of the virus. The vaccine, FluMist Quadrivalent (MedImmune), will be available for the 2013-2014 flu season.

Till date all flu vaccines contained two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B, chosen annually by medical experts based on their potential to spread the virus. Having an extra strain of influenza B increases the likelihood that the vaccine will protect against illness, the FDA said in a statement.

“Illness caused by Influenza B virus affects children, particularly young and school-aged, more than any other population,” said Dr. Karen Midthun, director of the FDA's biologics center.

The severity of illness and death due to influenza varies widely from season to season, which is why vaccination is the best method of protection, according to the FDA. Between 1976 and 2007, flu-related deaths have ranged from an estimated low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people, the agency said.

The FDA says side effects are the same as the older FluMist and include runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and sore throats.

Apart from the vaccine the CDC advises people take simple precautions such as hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth (this is how germs spread), and avoid close contact with sick people. Additionally an affected person should stay at home for 24 hours after the fever is gone.