CSL Seqirus has today confirmed that its cell-based influenza vaccine, Flucelvax Quad, will be available on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for the 2024 Australian influenza season.
Flucelvax Quad [quadrivalent influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, prepared in cell cultures)] is the first and only cell-based influenza vaccine available in Australia and will be reimbursed for people at higher risk of complications from flu.
The at-risk groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged five to 64 years, pregnant women, people aged five to 64 years with co-existing medical conditions such as cardiac disease, chronic respiratory, neurological or immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, chronic renal failure, functional or anatomical asplenia; and long-term aspirin therapy in children aged five to 10 years.
CSL also stated that Afluria Quad will no longer be available on the NIP.
Results from the 2023 Australian Attitudes to Influenza Index, commissioned recently by CSL, indicated that healthcare professionals are highly respected providers of influenza information with 70% turning to them.
Importantly, among those who didn't intend to get vaccinated against influenza in 2023, 15% said they would be encouraged to get an influenza vaccination if their GP or pharmacist recommended it.
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