Health organisations have informed pharmacists that the cell-grown quadrivalent vaccine (QIVc), known as Flucelvax Tetra, has been licensed for use and can be ordered for the 2019-20 flu vaccination service.

In a letter to contractors, NHS England, Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care said the vaccine, manufactured by Seqirus, was not available for the 2018-19 service but can be used in 2019-20.

QIVc is indicated for adults aged 18 to 64 years of age in clinical at-risk groups, including pregnant women or other eligible groups. It is also available for people aged 65 and over.

Vaccines available for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 flu season include the standard egg cultured quadrivalent inactivated vaccine (QIVe) for 18 to 64-year-olds in clinical at-risk groups and other eligible groups and adjuvanted trivalent inactivated vaccine (aTIV) for those aged 65 and over.

The PSNC said: “NHS England has determined that the high-dose trivalent vaccine (TIV-HD), which has also been granted licensed status, has a significantly higher list price and will therefore not be commissioned by NHS England or reimbursed for use in the flu vaccination service 2019/20.

“Contractors are therefore advised not to purchase or administer this product for the advanced flu vaccination service.”

Picture: Jovanmandic (iStock)