Influenza Vaccine Recombinant

Class: Vaccines
VA Class: IM100
Brands: Flublok

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2019.

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Introduction

Recombinant influenza vaccine.¹⁸³ Seasonal influenza vaccine recombinant (RIV; RIV4) contains recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) proteins representing influenza virus types A and B likely to circulate in the US during the upcoming season and is used to stimulate active immunity to influenza strains contained in the vaccine.^{100 183}

Uses for Influenza Vaccine Recombinant

Prevention of Seasonal Influenza A and B Virus Infections

Prevention of seasonal influenza virus infection in adults ≥18 years of age.¹⁸³

Influenza is an acute viral infection; influenza viruses spread from person to person mainly through large-particle respiratory droplet transmission.^{100 166} In the US, annual epidemics of seasonal influenza occur, usually during the fall or winter.¹⁰⁰ Influenza viruses can cause illness in any age group; children have highest rate of infection.^{100 166} Influenza can exacerbate underlying medical conditions or lead to pneumonia in certain individuals.^{100 166} Adults ≥65 years of age, children <2 years of age, and individuals with chronic medical conditions have highest risk of influenza-related complications and death.^{100 166}

Annual vaccination is the primary means of preventing seasonal influenza and its complications.¹⁰⁰

CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), AAP, and others recommend routine influenza vaccination for all adults, adolescents, children, and infants ≥6 months of age using an age-appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine, unless contraindicated.^{100 112 199 200 235} Vaccination against seasonal influenza recommended for otherwise healthy individuals as well as those who have medical conditions that put them at increased risk for influenza-related complications or at higher risk for influenza-related outpatient, emergency department, or hospital visits.^{100 112}

Several different types of influenza vaccines may be available in the US for prevention of seasonal influenza: influenza virus vaccine inactivated (IIV), influenza vaccine recombinant (RIV), and influenza vaccine live intranasal (LAIV).¹⁰⁰ Influenza virus vaccine inactivated is available as trivalent formulations containing influenza antigens representing 2 influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and an influenza B strain (Victoria lineage) and quadrivalent formulations containing antigens representing these 3 influenza strains and another influenza B strain (Yamagata lineage).¹⁰⁰ Influenza vaccine recombinant and influenza vaccine live intranasal are only available as quadrivalent formulations.¹⁰⁰

Select specific seasonal influenza vaccine based on individual’s age and whether they have certain underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of influenza complications (e.g., pregnancy, immunocompromising disease or therapy), are in close contact with severely immunocompromised individuals, or have a personal history that contraindicates use of certain vaccines.^{100 112} For many individuals, more than one vaccine type may be appropriate.^{100 112}

For prevention of seasonal influenza in adults ≥18 years of age, ACIP states there are no preferential recommendations for any specific vaccine type or trade name, provided an age-appropriate vaccine is chosen based on FDA-labeled indications and contraindications.¹⁰⁰

ACIP does not state a preference for a trivalent or quadrivalent formulation.¹⁰⁰ If an age-appropriate vaccine is available and there are no contraindications, do not delay influenza vaccination to obtain a specific product.¹⁰⁰

Travelers: All travelers (including those at high risk for influenza complications) who were not vaccinated during the preceding fall or winter should consider vaccination against seasonal influenza ≥2 weeks before departure if they will be traveling to the tropics, traveling to the Southern Hemisphere from April through September, or traveling with organized tourist groups at any time of the year.¹¹⁵ Revaccination not recommended for travelers who received influenza vaccine during the preceding fall and will be traveling during the summer.¹¹⁵ Risk for exposure to seasonal influenza during travel depends on time of year and destination.¹¹⁵ In the Northern Hemisphere, influenza season may begin as early as October and extend until May;¹¹⁵ in the Southern Hemisphere, influenza season may begin in April and last through September.¹¹⁵ In many tropical and subtropical areas, influenza viruses generally circulate throughout the year.¹¹⁵

Seasonal influenza vaccines not effective against all possible strains of influenza, but may be effective against those strains (and possibly closely related strains) represented in the vaccines.^{100 166} (See Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness under Cautions.)

Current information regarding influenza surveillance and updated recommendations for prevention and treatment of seasonal influenza is available from CDC at [Web].

Influenza Vaccine Recombinant Dosage and Administration

Administration

Administer only by IM injection.¹⁸³ Do not administer sub-Q, intradermally, or IV.¹⁸³

Administer seasonal influenza vaccine every year before exposure to seasonal influenza.^{100 112} In the US, localized outbreaks indicating start of the annual influenza season can occur as early as October;^{100 112} peak influenza activity (which often is close to the midpoint of influenza activity for the season) usually occurs in January or later;^{100 112} and influenza activity can continue until late spring (end of May).¹¹²

Offer influenza vaccination by the end of October, if possible, and continue to offer vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccine is available.^{100 112} Although vaccination in the fall is recommended, vaccination in December or later (even if influenza activity has begun) is likely to be beneficial in the majority of influenza seasons.¹⁰⁰ However, there is some evidence that early influenza vaccination (i.e., in July or August) in individuals requiring only a single dose of influenza vaccine may be associated with suboptimal immunity (waning immunity) before end of influenza season, particularly in older adults.¹⁰⁰

Syncope (vasovagal or vasodepressor reaction; fainting) may occur following vaccination; such reactions occur most frequently in adolescents and young adults.¹³⁴ Syncope and secondary injuries may be averted if vaccinees sit or lie down during and for 15 minutes after vaccination.¹³⁴ If syncope occurs, observe patient until symptoms resolve.¹³⁴

May be given simultaneously with other age-appropriate vaccines.¹⁰⁰ When multiple vaccines administered during a single health-care visit, give each parenteral vaccine using separate syringes and different injection sites.^{100 134} Separate injection sites by ≥1 inch (if anatomically feasible) to allow appropriate attribution of any local adverse effects that may occur.¹³⁴

IM Administration

Administer by IM injection preferably into the deltoid muscle in adults.¹⁸³

To ensure delivery into muscle, make IM injections at a 90° angle to the skin using a needle length appropriate for the individual’s age and body mass, thickness of adipose tissue and muscle at injection site, and injection technique.¹³⁴

Vaccine should appear clear and colorless.¹⁸³

Gently invert single-dose prefilled syringes of the vaccine prior to affixing appropriate size needle.¹⁸³

Do not mix with any other vaccine or solution.¹⁸³

Dosage

Adults

Prevention of Seasonal Influenza A and B Virus Infections

Adults ≥18 Years of Age

IM

Single 0.5-mL dose.¹⁸³

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations.¹⁸³

Renal Impairment

No specific dosage recommendations.¹⁸³

Geriatric Patients

Single 0.5-mL dose.¹⁸³ (See Geriatric Use under Cautions.)

Cautions for Influenza Vaccine Recombinant

Contraindications

• History of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine.¹⁸³ (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions.)

Warnings/Precautions

Sensitivity Reactions

Anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, allergic reactions, and other forms of hypersensitivity reported during postmarketing experience.¹⁸³

Prior to administration, review patient’s history with respect to possible sensitivity reactions to the vaccine or vaccine components and prior vaccination-related adverse effects and assess benefits versus risks.¹⁰⁰

Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available for immediate use in case an anaphylactic reaction occurs.¹⁸³

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

If GBS occurred within 6 weeks after previous influenza vaccination, manufacturer states base decision to administer influenza vaccine recombinant on careful consideration of potential benefits and risks.¹⁸³

The 1976 swine influenza vaccine was associated with increased frequency of GBS.¹⁸³ Evidence for causal relationship between other influenza vaccines and GBS inconclusive;¹⁸³ if an excess risk exists, it probably is slightly more than 1 additional case of GBS per 1 million vaccinees.¹⁸³

ACIP states that, as a precaution, individuals who are not at higher risk for severe influenza complications and who developed GBS within 6 weeks of a previous dose of influenza vaccine generally should not receive influenza vaccination;¹⁰⁰ clinicians might consider use of antiviral prophylaxis for such individuals.¹⁰⁰ However, ACIP states that benefits of influenza vaccine may outweigh risks for certain individuals with a history of GBS within 6 weeks after a previous dose of influenza vaccine who are at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.¹⁰⁰

Individuals with Altered Immunocompetence

May be administered to individuals immunosuppressed as the result of disease or immunosuppressive therapy.¹⁸³ Consider possibility that immune response to the vaccine and efficacy may be reduced in such individuals.^{100 134 183}

ACIP states that recombinant vaccines generally can be administered safely to individuals with altered immunocompetence.¹³⁴

Recommendations for use of recombinant vaccines in HIV-infected individuals usually the same as those for individuals without HIV infection.^{100 155}

Concomitant Illness

Base decision to administer or delay vaccination in an individual with a current or recent acute illness on severity of symptoms and etiology of the illness.¹³⁴

ACIP states mild acute illness generally does not preclude vaccination.¹³⁴

ACIP states moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever) is a precaution for vaccination;¹³⁴ defer vaccines until individual has recovered from the acute phase of the illness.¹³⁴ This avoids superimposing vaccine adverse effects on the underlying illness or mistakenly concluding that a manifestation of the underlying illness resulted from vaccine administration.¹³⁴

Individuals with Bleeding Disorders

Advise individuals who have bleeding disorders or are receiving anticoagulant therapy and/or their family members about the risk of hematoma from IM injections.¹³⁴

ACIP states that IM vaccines may be given to who have bleeding disorders or are receiving anticoagulant therapy if a clinician familiar with the patient’s bleeding risk determines that the IM injection can be administered with reasonable safety.¹³⁴ In these cases, use a fine needle (23 gauge or smaller) to administer the vaccine and apply firm pressure to the injection site (without rubbing) for ≥2 minutes.¹³⁴ In individuals receiving therapy for hemophilia, give IM vaccine shortly after a scheduled dose of such therapy.¹³⁴

Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness

Following seasonal influenza vaccination, up to 2 weeks may be required to develop antibody protection against infection.¹⁰⁰

May not protect all vaccine recipients from influenza.¹⁸³

Seasonal influenza vaccines are formulated annually to contain influenza A and B antigens predicted to represent strains of influenza virus likely to circulate in the US during the upcoming influenza season.^{100 578} (See Actions.) Efficacy of seasonal vaccine during any given year depends on how closely viral strains represented in the vaccine match viral strains circulating during the season.^{100 166}

Seasonal influenza vaccines not expected to provide protection against human infection with animal-origin influenza viruses, including avian influenza A viruses (e.g., avian influenza A [H5N1], avian influenza A [H7N9]).¹¹⁵

Duration of Immunity

Immunity declines during the year after seasonal influenza vaccination.¹⁰⁰ In addition, circulating strains of seasonal influenza virus change from year to year.¹⁰⁰ Annual vaccination is needed for prevention of seasonal influenza.¹⁰⁰

Do not administer influenza vaccine from a previous influenza season (e.g., 2018–2019) in an attempt to provide protection during a subsequent influenza season.¹⁰⁰

Improper Storage and Handling

Improper storage or handling of vaccines may reduce vaccine potency resulting in reduced or inadequate immune response in vaccinees.¹³⁴

Inspect all vaccines upon delivery and monitor during storage to ensure that the appropriate temperature is maintained.¹³⁴ (See Storage under Stability.)

Do not administer vaccine that has been mishandled or has not been stored at the recommended temperature.¹³⁴

If there are concerns about mishandling, contact the manufacturer or state or local immunization or health departments for guidance on whether the vaccine is usable.¹³⁴

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Manufacturer states data insufficient to assess risk of influenza vaccine recombinant in pregnant women.¹⁸³

ACIP, ACOG, AAP, and others recommend vaccination against influenza in all women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant during the influenza season and state that any licensed, age-appropriate, inactivated influenza vaccine (i.e., influenza virus vaccine inactivated or influenza vaccine recombinant) can be used.^{100 112} These experts state that inactivated influenza vaccines can be administered at any time during pregnancy (any trimester) before or during influenza season.^{100 112 134}

ACIP states there is no evidence of risk to the fetus if inactivated vaccines are administered during pregnancy.¹³⁴

Pregnancy registry at 800-822-2463.¹⁸³ Clinicians or vaccinees should report any exposure to the vaccine that occurs during pregnancy.¹⁸³

Lactation

Not known whether influenza vaccine recombinant is distributed into milk.¹⁸³ Data insufficient to assess effects on breast-fed infant or on milk production.¹⁸³

Consider benefits of breast-feeding and importance of the vaccine to the woman;¹⁸³ also consider potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the vaccine or underlying maternal condition (i.e., susceptibility to influenza infection).¹⁸³

ACIP states recombinant vaccines generally do not pose any unusual risks for women who are breast-feeding or their breast-fed infants.¹³⁴

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in individuals <18 years of age.¹⁸³

Study using trivalent influenza vaccine recombinant indicates recombinant vaccine may not be effective in children <3 years of age†.¹⁸³

Geriatric Use

Insufficient experience using influenza vaccine recombinant in adults ≥65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults.¹⁸³

Common Adverse Effects

Adults ≥18 years of age: Injection site reactions (e.g., local tenderness,¹⁸³ pain),¹⁸³ headache,¹⁸³ fatigue,¹⁸³ myalgia,¹⁸³ arthralgia.¹⁸³

Interactions for Influenza Vaccine Recombinant

Immunosuppressive Agents

Immune responses to vaccines may be reduced in individuals receiving immunosuppressive agents.^{134 183}

Generally, give inactivated vaccines ≥2 weeks prior to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and, because of possible suboptimal response, do not give during and for certain periods of time after immunosuppressive therapy discontinued.^{105 134 135}

Time to restoration of immune competence varies depending on type and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy, underlying disease, and other factors; optimal timing for vaccine administration after discontinuance of immunosuppressive therapy not identified for every situation.¹⁰⁵

Vaccines

Although specific studies may not be available,¹⁸³ ACIP states influenza vaccine recombinant may be administered concurrently or sequentially with other age-appropriate vaccines, including live virus vaccines, toxoids, or inactivated or recombinant vaccines.^{100 134}

Specific Drugs

Stability

Storage

Parenteral

Injectable Solution, for IM Use

2–8°C; do not freeze.¹⁸³ If freezing occurs, discard vaccine.¹⁸³

Protect from light.¹⁸³

Does not contain thimerosal or any other preservatives.¹⁸³

Actions

• Influenza vaccine recombinant contains recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) proteins from suitable strains of influenza viruses.¹⁸³ The vaccine is prepared using recombinant DNA technology and a continuous insect cell line (expresSF+) derived from Sf9 cells of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and a baculovirus vector.¹⁸³ Manufacturing process does not involve live influenza viruses and does not involve eggs.¹⁸³

• Seasonal influenza vaccines are formulated annually to contain antigens representative of the influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B viruses likely to circulate during the upcoming influenza season.^{100 183 578}

• Influenza vaccines for the 2019–2020 influenza season contain the same influenza B (B/Victoria lineage) and influenza B (B/Yamagata lineage) antigens, but different influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H3N2) antigens, compared with those contained in vaccines used for the 2018–2019 influenza season.⁵⁷⁸

• Influenza vaccines stimulate active immunity to influenza virus strains represented in the vaccines.¹⁸³

• Following IM administration of influenza vaccine recombinant, the recombinant HA proteins contained in the vaccine act as antigens and induce a humoral immune response that can be measured by HA inhibition antibody.¹⁸³

• Following a single IM dose of trivalent influenza vaccine recombinant in adults 18 through 49 years of age during the 2007–2008 influenza season, an immune response to the H1N1, H3N2, and B components of the vaccine was achieved in 78, 81, and 52% of vaccine recipients, respectively;²³³ estimated vaccine effectiveness was 75% against influenza strains that closely matched vaccine strains and 45% without regard to match (96% of isolates did not match vaccine strains).²³³ In adults ≥50 years of age, antibody responses at 28 days after a single IM dose of trivalent influenza vaccine recombinant met predefined success criterion for all 3 vaccine antigens when compared with a single IM dose of trivalent influenza vaccine inactivated.²³⁴

• Immune response to a single IM dose of quadrivalent influenza vaccine recombinant in adults 18 through 49 years of age during the 2014–2015 influenza season met the success criterion for GMTs for 3 of the 4 antigens, but not the B/Victoria lineage antigen;¹⁸³ however, HI response to the B/Victoria lineage antigen also was low in the active-control group that received quadrivalent influenza virus vaccine inactivated.¹⁸³ In a study in adults ≥50 years of age during the 2014–2015 influenza season, quadrivalent influenza vaccine recombinant was noninferior to standard-dose quadrivalent influenza virus vaccine inactivated.^{183 574}

• Efficacy of influenza vaccines in preventing seasonal influenza virus infection depends on whether the virus strains represented in the vaccines are antigenically similar to influenza virus strains circulating during the influenza season.^{100 166} (See Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness under Cautions.)

Advice to Patients

• Prior to administration of seasonal influenza vaccine recombinant, provide a copy of the appropriate CDC Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the patient or patient’s legal representative (VISs are available at [Web]).^{183 477}

• Advise patient of the risks and benefits of influenza vaccine recombinant.¹⁸³

• Advise patient that influenza vaccine recombinant contains noninfectious proteins that cannot cause influenza.¹⁸³

• Advise patient that annual vaccination against seasonal influenza is necessary.^{100 183} Importance of receiving a 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine, even if the individual received a 2018–2019 seasonal influenza vaccine.^{100 112 183}

• Advise patient that influenza vaccine recombinant provides protection against illness due to influenza viruses represented in the vaccine and cannot provide protection against all respiratory illness.¹⁸³

• Importance of informing clinicians of any severe or life-threatening allergies, including any history of severe reaction after prior influenza vaccination.¹⁸³

• Importance of informing clinicians of adverse effects.¹⁸³ Clinicians or individuals can report any adverse reactions that occur following vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 800-822-7967 or [Web].^{100 183}

• Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as concomitant illnesses (e.g., GBS).¹⁸³

• Importance of women informing clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.¹⁸³

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.¹⁸³ (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

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