The new approved vaccine formulation targets A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus), A/Perth /16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus strains.
CSL, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, ID Biomedical, MedImmune Vaccines, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics and Sanofi Pasteur will produce and distribute their influenza vaccines using the FDA approved formulation across the US in the coming season.
As a result, the brands that will be available are Afluria, FluLaval, FluMist, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose and Fluzone Intradermal.
FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research director Karen Midthun said vaccines to prevent seasonal influenza have a long and successful track record of safety and effectiveness in the US.