Access to Four-Strain Flu Vaccine Could Increase Vaccination Uptake This Season
Posted 11-09-2015 at 08:10 AM by DavidRaonic
A four-strain influenza vaccine is being introduced this season as part of Canada's public health immunization programs to help prevent B-strain mismatch and reduce the impact of influenza in the population. According to a recent Canadian survey, it could have a positive effect on vaccination rates.
Between 2001 and 2013, there has been a mismatch between the B strain in the vaccine and the circulating B strain more than 50 per cent of the time. This mismatch is what led to the development of a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV), which is designed to help protect against four different influenza virus strains – two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains – versus the traditional three strains.
“Approximately 15 to 25 per cent of influenza-related hospital admissions and deaths are attributable to influenza B,” said Dr. Wayne Ghesquiere, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Consultant, Vancouver Island Health Authority, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia. “Having access to vaccines that help protect against four strains versus three is an important step in helping prevent B strain mismatch which could result in better health outcomes and enhance public confidence in influenza immunization. QIV is an important tool for Public Health to help manage the yearly and unpredictable impact of influenza.”
Only 25 to 30 per cent of adults between 18 and 64 get their annual influenza vaccine. According to a recent survey that looked at opinions among Canadians about influenza vaccination, 57 per cent of those surveyed did not get vaccinated. Of these, almost half (48 per cent) said their primary reason was due to their belief that the influenza vaccine would not be effective. The survey also revealed that a vaccine covering more strains could increase immunization uptake. In fact, 61 per cent said the availability of an influenza vaccine containing four strains instead of three would make them more likely to get vaccinated this season.
Currently, publicly funded access to QIV varies by province with some offering full access, and others offering access to targeted groups. A full QIV immunization program for those six months of age and older are available in Manitoba, Yukon Territory, and several Atlantic provinces. Canadians can learn more about the availability of QIV in their province by speaking with their local Public Health authorities.
Between 2001 and 2013, there has been a mismatch between the B strain in the vaccine and the circulating B strain more than 50 per cent of the time. This mismatch is what led to the development of a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV), which is designed to help protect against four different influenza virus strains – two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains – versus the traditional three strains.
“Approximately 15 to 25 per cent of influenza-related hospital admissions and deaths are attributable to influenza B,” said Dr. Wayne Ghesquiere, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Consultant, Vancouver Island Health Authority, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of British Columbia. “Having access to vaccines that help protect against four strains versus three is an important step in helping prevent B strain mismatch which could result in better health outcomes and enhance public confidence in influenza immunization. QIV is an important tool for Public Health to help manage the yearly and unpredictable impact of influenza.”
Only 25 to 30 per cent of adults between 18 and 64 get their annual influenza vaccine. According to a recent survey that looked at opinions among Canadians about influenza vaccination, 57 per cent of those surveyed did not get vaccinated. Of these, almost half (48 per cent) said their primary reason was due to their belief that the influenza vaccine would not be effective. The survey also revealed that a vaccine covering more strains could increase immunization uptake. In fact, 61 per cent said the availability of an influenza vaccine containing four strains instead of three would make them more likely to get vaccinated this season.
Currently, publicly funded access to QIV varies by province with some offering full access, and others offering access to targeted groups. A full QIV immunization program for those six months of age and older are available in Manitoba, Yukon Territory, and several Atlantic provinces. Canadians can learn more about the availability of QIV in their province by speaking with their local Public Health authorities.
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