Private market flu vaccines for older New Zealanders made available early after flu outbreak

CSL Seqirus has today announced that its adjuvanted influenza vaccine, Fluad® Quad, designed for people aged 65 and over, is now available from GP clinics and pharmacies in New Zealand. The Australian vaccine company has accelerated supply of the vaccines after an early rise in flu cases in New Zealand.

Seasonal influenza is associated with over 3,240 all-cause hospitalisations and 400-500 deaths annually in New Zealand. 86% of flu deaths occur in people aged 65 and over.

Older adults are at higher risk of severe influenza and serious complications due to comorbidities and an age-related decline in the immune system’s ability to fight diseases. This immune system decline makes older adults more susceptible to severe influenza and also reduces the effectiveness of conventional flu vaccines.

Fluad Quad is an adjuvanted vaccine for the prevention of flu in New Zealanders aged 65 and over. An adjuvant is a substance added to a vaccine to help boost the immune system’s response to the vaccine. It is available as a private market (unfunded) vaccine in New Zealand.

Clinical trials and real-world evidence of Fluad Quad have shown that the vaccine can provide up to 12 months protection from influenza, compared to standard egg vaccines which can wane after 3 – 4 months. Studies also showed an 18-36% reduction in influenza-related GP visits when using Fluad Quad over a standard influenza vaccine.

Vicky Chan, pharmacist says flu vaccination is important for all New Zealanders, especially older adults.

“We’re potentially seeing an early start to the flu season in Southern Hemisphere countries. We’re hearing stories from clinics and rest homes around New Zealand, while data in Australia is showing they’ve had more flu cases in January and February 2024 than in other years since more detailed records began,” said Ms Chan.

“So far, we’re seeing circulation of Influenza A strains, which we know can affect older adults more severely. People might remember the 2017 flu season, when Australia and New Zealand had lots of Influenza A circulating and a high number of people were hospitalised or sadly passed away.”

“It’s really important that New Zealanders talk to their healthcare professional about influenza vaccination early this year, especially if you’re over 65.”

Edith Rosenberg, Head of New Zealand Medical Affairs at CSL Seqirus, says the company is pleased to accelerate access to its enhanced vaccines so New Zealanders can access protection against influenza.

“Flu is unpredictable so we never know exactly when the season might begin or when cases might peak. Vaccination typically begins in April but we’re pleased to have accelerated supply so that our vaccines are available now on the private market to help protect people.”

“In the past, vaccination wasn’t made available earlier as standard vaccines waned after 3-4 months, especially in older people. Enhanced vaccines, like Fluad Quad, last for up to 12 months, so they are a really important tool in providing protection from flu for our older loved ones.”

Ms Rosenberg also said that enhanced vaccines can also help protect the capacity of New Zealand’s health system which may help save lives.

“New Zealand has committed and caring doctors, nurses and pharmacists but resources are really stretched at the moment. One important thing we can do to protect our health system and our loved ones is to vaccinate and help prevent flu in older age groups.”

“Enhanced vaccines are more effective at helping prevent flu and severe cases in older adults. This could have a potentially significant impact on our health system, given that adults aged 65 and over have the highest rates of flu-related hospital admissions.”

The cost of critical care and associated hospital costs for influenza patients in NZ has been calculated to be higher than those for the average patient admitted to an ICU.

The flu virus mutates every year which is why people are recommended to receive an annual flu vaccination. Vaccination is the most important tool to help protect New Zealanders from influenza and its complications.

Fluad Quad is available in pharmacies and GP clinics that have ordered stock. The cost will vary but is expected be within the range of $45-$65.