Egg-free flu vaccine, Flublok, now approved for adults 50 years and older

November 1, 2014

Vaccines

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In an announcement Thursday, Meriden, CT vaccine manufacturer Protein Sciences Corporation said The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved their egg-free influenza vaccine, Flublok for use in people 50 and older under the accelerated approval of biological products regulations.

This is a 3-dimensional illustration showing the different features of an influenza virus, including the surface proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA)/CDC

Flublok is the only licensed flu vaccine that is made using modern recombinant technology and the only flu vaccine that is 100% egg-free and highly purified. It also contains three times more active ingredients than traditional flu vaccines.

Lisa Dunkle, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Protein Sciences said, “Older adults are known to be at high risk for contracting and developing complications from influenza.” She continued, “Flublok has been shown to induce high antibody levels in seniors.”

“We are excited with this approval,” said Dr. Manon Cox, MBA, President and CEO of Protein Sciences. “We set out to develop a better vaccine for the older population by increasing the amount of active ingredients in the vaccine. People of all ages have been calling and asking for Flublok and now it is terrific to be able to (finally) tell them that the product is approved for all adults. Flublok is a modern vaccine with particular benefits to individuals who want (need) to avoid exposure to egg proteins, gelatin, latex, formaldehyde or antibiotics as Flublok is free of all of these unnecessary and avoidable components.”

Earlier this year the FDA approved a shelf life extension for Flublok to 6 months. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page

The most recent CDC FluView report for the 2014-2015 flu season shows that flu activity is low across the United States, but there are early signs that activity is increasing, including the first reported pediatric flu death this season. Flu activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. There are documented benefits from flu vaccination, including reductions in flu illnesses, related doctors’ visits and missed work or school. Vaccination also prevents flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.