Flucelvax Influenza Vaccine

Texas' Updated Respiratory Disease Dashboard Offers Real-Time Vaccination Insights

Donald Hackett — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:41:34 +0000

Reviewer:

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced that it has updated its Interactive Respiratory Disease Dashboard to include updated hospitalization reporting and more visual features.

DSHS's dashboard, launched in January 2024, also includes information on emergency department visits, fatalities from influenza, and other respiratory viruses and is accessible through the Texas Health Data website.

Texans and healthcare professionals can use the information to gain real-time, actionable insights, which is essential at this time of year. Last week, Texas influenza-like illness activity increased to 'moderate,' with some neighboring states, including Louisiana, reporting 'high' levels.

In addition to the dashboard, DSHS publishes a weekly Texas Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report with laboratory results, outpatient influenza-like illness surveillance, regional and county-level data, and more.

"These great tools help us show you what is happening regarding respiratory illnesses in your community with data and easy-to-follow visuals," said DSHS Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty, MD, MBA, MS, in a media release on December 9, 2024.

"Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to stay safe this season."

The respiratory virus season traditionally runs from October to May, and DSHS recommends that Texans get immunized to protect themselves and their families from severe illness, hospitalization, and even death.

From an availability perspective, over 92 million flu shots have been distributed in the U.S., targeting the 2024-2025 flu season. These vaccines are generally available at health clinics and community pharmacies throughout Texas.

"With this new DSHS information, pharmacists on main-street can easily communicate the latest respiratory trends to their patients,' said Jeanne Waggener, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin and an Honorary Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy.

"These last weeks of December are the peak time for viruses to spread, especially with family and work celebrations bringing people together. It's essential everyone speaks with their pharmacist about medications and vaccine options," added Waggener.

Additionally, the U.S. CDC encourages international travelers to speak with a travel vaccine expert about vaccination options at least one month before traveling abroad for the winter holidays.

Sub Title:

Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard

References:

Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard

Texas Health officials update features and content on respiratory illness dashboard

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Texas Respiratory Illness Interactive Dashboard 2024

Vaccinated Children Can Die From Influenza

Karen McClorey Hackett — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:53:08 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases recently reported two additional flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season to 199.

As of September 18, 2024, this number equals the previous high reported during the 2019-2020 flu season. It's a profoundly tragic reminder that influenza can cause severe illness, even after a child has been vaccinated.

Before the recent pandemic, the record low for pediatric deaths in the U.S. was 37 during the 2011-2012 flu season.

The CDC's data also revealed that of the 158 children eligible for a flu shot, 131 (83%) were not fully vaccinated for whom vaccination status was known. Among these deaths, 126 were between 5 and 17 years of age and eligible for an annual flu shot.

CDC estimates show that flu vaccination last season reduced flu-related hospitalization by about 50% for vaccinated children.

Of the 189 pediatric deaths that were among children with known information on medical conditions, 49% had at least one pre-existing medical condition.

Unfortunately, influenza vaccine uptake among children lags compared to previous seasons.

Specifically, vaccinations for the 2023-2024 season (53.9%) for all children were about 2.2% lower than last flu season and 8.5% lower than in May 2020.

Adults are also getting fewer flu shots. The CDC reported that on May 25, 2024, about 48% of U.S. adults received a flu shot.

Regarding the vaccine choice, availability, and timing:

Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can offer patients up to nine influenza vaccines this flu season.
And as of August 2024, about 158 million flu vaccines had been distributed during the 2023-2024 season. These vaccines are generally offered at health clinics and pharmacies beginning in August each year.
Over the past thirty-six flu seasons, peak influenza activity occurred around January and February. This indicates that some children may need a second vaccination to ensure continued protection later in the flu season.

Regarding vaccine effectiveness (VE), a meta-analysis of studies conducted from 2017 through 2022 and published in the journal Vaccines in February 2024 showed real-world seasonal flu shots VE averaged 41.4%.

However, flu shot VE varied substantially due to factors such as virus type, age, health status, access to hospitals, and vaccination timing.

Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend annual flu shots for all children without medical contraindications starting at six months of age.

Moreover, your healthcare provider can share local influenza season insights that can reduce vaccination concerns and future flu-related fatalities.

Sub Title:

Pediatric influenza deaths influenced by vaccination timing, medical condition, hospital access

References:

Flu Deaths in Children Last Season Reach 199

US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 36

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US CDC pediatric mortality surveillance information Sept 2024

194 Pediatric Influenza Fatalities Surpass Previous Flu Seasons

Karen McClorey Hackett — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:10:11 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the United States enters another flu season, looking back at previous data highlights why vaccinations are essential to protecting children.

In the FluView Key Updates for Week 33, ending August 17, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that 194 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were confirmed during the 2023-2024 flu season.

This data exceeds the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance (NCHS) data reported for the previous three flu seasons: 186, 49, and 1.

These flu-related pediatric deaths generally peak around week #52, the Christmas holiday season, when schools are closed and families gather.

From a city perspective, the Walgreens Flu Index publishes market-specific information regarding last season's flu activity.

As of Walgreen's last report (04/27/2024), the three leading cities reporting populations experiencing the highest incidence of flu activity were located in Texas:

El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas

At the state level, the Texas Department of State Helath Services reported good news for the 2023-2024 Influenza Season. No pediatric (under 17 years of age) deaths were related to influenza.

Unfortunately, about 18% of young people in Texas received a flu shot last season.

While the 2024-2025 flu shots have changed their composition, access to them has not.

“Vaccination is the number one way to protect against respiratory illnesses. We know immunizations can often fall off the to-do list. Still, it’s important for everyone to take the time to get all recommended vaccines this fall..... schedule an appointment today," commented Samantha Picking, Walgreens Director of Immunizations, on August 22, 2024.

Walgreens stated that pharmacies are the cornerstone and front door to healthcare for many Americans and continue to serve as the most convenient, trusted, and accessible place for people to get the prevention, testing, and treatment they need throughout respiratory illness season.

Physician offices and pharmacies have already received shipments, and many offer digital vaccination appointment scheduling. During this flu season, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists can provide patients with up to nine trivalent influenza vaccines.

As of August 2024, the CDC says most flu shots will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced vaccine (91%), and about 21% will be egg-free.

Last season, over 37 million doses were administered in retail pharmacies, and physicians' medical offices administered an estimated 25 million flu shots.

In 2024, the CDC's Vaccines For Children program funded most pediatric vaccinations for children aged six months to 17 years.

Sub Title:

Nine trivalent influenza vaccines are offered in the United States

References:

US CDC 2023-24 Influenza Season Week 33 ending Aug 17, 2024

Walgreens Flu Index 2024

TDSHS Influenza death Data 2024

US CDC Vaccine Administration 2023-2024 Texas

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US CDC Influenza Index August 17, 2024

Maximizing Children Health Starts with Vaccinations

Karen McClorey Hackett — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 17:37:43 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Whether diseases start at home or school, parents can take action today to protect their children against viruses such as influenza and measles.

In the United States, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has effectively removed a significant barrier to protecting children from diseases by eliminating financial costs for eligible children.

According to the U.S. CDC's Vital Signs MMWR dated August 13, 2024, approximately 52.2% of U.S. children were eligible for the VFC program. The remaining children may be eligible for various vaccine discount programs from non-profits and pharmaceutical companies.

Since 1994, the VFC program has been crucial in increasing and maintaining high levels of childhood vaccination coverage for 30 years. However, in late 2024, there are still gaps in vaccination coverage.

In 2023, VFC distributed over 74 million doses of pediatric vaccines to participating healthcare providers.

The CDC emphasized the need for enhanced efforts to ensure that parents and guardians of VFC-eligible children are informed, confident, and capable of obtaining all recommended vaccines on the current schedule.

During a related Vital Signs Telebriefing, Dr. Deborah Houry, CDC chief medical officer, commented, "Routine vaccination of children born during 1994 to 2023 will have prevented 508 million illnesses, saved over 1 million lives, and saved nearly 2.7 trillion in societal costs."

"This means that every dollar spent on childhood immunizations results in a savings of approximately $11."

"Vaccines have saved lives for over 100 years, but serious disease is still a major threat to those unvaccinated. Getting vaccinated on time is essential throughout childhood and with back-to-school around the corner."

"And this is where healthcare providers have such a key role, is ensuring that confidence and having conversations with parents, and this is where media also has an important role in increasing confidence in the science that we do and promoting the need for vaccines, particularly as all of our kiddos are going back to school."

Sub Title:

Children vaccination programs include no cost access

References:

Vital Signs: Trends and Disparities in Childhood Vaccination Coverage by Vaccines for Children Program Eligibility

Vital Sings Telebriefing Aug. 13, 2024

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US CDC Vital Signs August 13, 2024

Pneumonia Diagnostic Discordance Occurred in 57% of Related Patients

Karen McClorey Hackett — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:14:50 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

Based on new research, pneumonia diagnoses at the hospital have been found to be less clear-cut.

More than half the time, a pneumonia diagnosis made in the hospital will change, either because someone initially diagnosed with pneumonia ended up with a different final diagnosis or because a final diagnosis of pneumonia was missed when a patient entered the hospital.

Discordances between initial and discharge occurred in 57% of related patients.

Among patients discharged with a pneumonia diagnosis and positive initial chest image, 33% lacked an initial diagnosis.

Among patients diagnosed initially, 36% lacked a discharge diagnosis, and 21% lacked positive initial chest imaging.

Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on August 6, 2024, this study's results call into question much of the existing research on pneumonia treatment, which tends to assume that initial and discharge diagnoses will be the same.

These researchers say doctors and patients should consider this high level of uncertainty after an initial pneumonia diagnosis and be willing to adapt to new information throughout the treatment process.

Barbara Jones, MD, MSCI, pulmonary and critical care physician at the University of Utah Health and the first author of the study, found the results by searching medical records from more than 100 VA medical centers across the country, using artificial intelligence-based tools to identify mismatches between initial diagnoses and diagnoses upon discharge from the hospital.

More than ten percent of all such visits involved a pneumonia diagnosis, either when a patient entered the hospital when they left, or both.

“Pneumonia can seem like a clear-cut diagnosis,” Dr. Jones said in a press release, “but there is actually quite a bit of overlap with other diagnoses that can mimic pneumonia.”

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that typically stems from several kinds of germs, most often bacteria and viruses.

Furthermore, there are three types of pneumonia: Community-acquired, Healthcare-acquired, and Ventilator-associated.

The study also found that this uncertainty was often evident in doctors’ notes on patient visits; clinical notes on pneumonia diagnoses in the emergency department expressed uncertainty more than half the time (58%), and notes on diagnosis at discharge expressed uncertainty almost half the time (48%). Simultaneous treatments for multiple potential diagnoses were also common.

When the initial diagnosis was pneumonia, but the discharge diagnosis was different, patients tended to receive a greater number of treatments in the hospital.

Still, as a general rule, this study concluded these patients didn’t do worse than others.

However, patients who initially lacked a pneumonia diagnosis but ultimately ended up diagnosed with pneumonia had worse health outcomes than other patients.

“Both patients and clinicians need to pay attention to their recovery and question the diagnosis if they don’t get better with treatment.”

These findings highlight the need to recognize diagnostic uncertainty and treatment ambiguity in the practice of pneumonia-related care.

"The sum of these analyses suggests that initial pneumonia diagnosis is a complex process with substantial uncertainty that may previously have been underappreciated," the study authors wrote. These researchers say various immunizations can lower people's risk of pneumonia.

For example, annual flu shots have been found to reduce pneumonia cases.

As of August 2024, influenza vaccines became available at local pharmacies before the 2024-2025 flu season.

The primary Funding Source of this study was the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Sub Title:

Pneumonia misdiagnosis between initial, discharge, and radiographic diagnosis identified

Reference:

Diagnostic Discordance, Uncertainty, and Treatment Ambiguity in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

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89% of Consumers Continue Trusting Pharmacists Communications

Donald Hackett — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:33:44 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

As the Fall 2024 respiratory season approaches, recent studies reveal disparities in who consumers trust regarding medical information.

According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Pharmacy 16th Study released today, overall satisfaction with mail-order pharmacies is rising steadily this year.

Meanwhile, chain drug stores have seen their overall satisfaction scores slide far below the brick-and-mortar category average,

One highlight from this J.D. Power study announced on July 30, 2024, was that brick-and-mortar pharmacies excel in pharmacists’ communication with customers. About 89% of respondents indicated their pharmacist’s explanation was understood—a significant positive change from 2023.

However, just 18% of mail-order customers say their pharmacy offers a well-designed digital experience, indicating that they are losing ground on providing a digital experience that meets customers’ expectations.

Customers cite confusion about whether digital pharmacies would work with their current insurance, trustworthiness, and lack of use among friends and family as the most significant barriers to adoption.

"The critical link that may allow brick-and-mortar pharmacies to keep pace with the rise of mail order and digital pharmacies is the familiarity that customers have with their pharmacist,” said Christopher Lis, managing director of global healthcare intelligence at J.D. Power, in a press release.

According to this ranking from 13,505 pharmacy customers who filled prescriptions within the past 12 months and were fielded from September 2023 through May 2024, Good Neighbor Pharmacy ranked highest among brick-and-mortar chain drugstore pharmacies for an eighth consecutive year.

Health Mart ranked second, and Rite Aid Pharmacy ranked third.

Separately, an Orginal Investigation published by The JAMA Network on July 31, 2024, discussed that among more than half a million adult survey responses between April 2020 and January 2024, the trust in physicians and hospitals decreased from 71% to 40% throughout the recent pandemic.

A lower level of trust was associated with a decreased likelihood of vaccination across all sociodemographic groups.

These researchers stated that these associations were not explained by political affiliation nor fully accounted for by trust in science, suggesting some specificity for medicine per se.

While these studies indicate the rapid changes in how people view their healthcare provider in 2024, it's essential to reflect on how many lives have been saved over the decades by the appropriate use of vaccines.

Sub Title:

Retail pharmacists excel in communication with customers

References:

Chain Drug Stores Fall Behind, J.D. Power Finds

JAMA - Trust in Physicians and Hospitals During the Pandemic

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Funding for Phase Four Vaccine Studies Needed

Donald Hackett — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:21:08 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

While many people have recently learned about the clinical trial research process, most are unaware these studies are conducted according to a plan containing an essential fourth type of study: phase four.

These late-stage studies, often called post-marketing research, are conducted after the U.S. FDA has approved a vaccine or medication.

Clinical research leaders wrote a comprehensive Perspective, suggesting an innovative method for increasing the number of phase four studies.

The New England Journal of Medicine published the article VOL on July 6, 2024. 391 NO. 2—Funding Postauthorization Vaccine-Safety Science, which wrote, 'the United States benefits from a robust federal immunization program that has been successful in controlling and eliminating many diseases.

However, the widespread vaccine hesitancy observed during the recent pandemic suggests that the public is no longer satisfied with the traditional safety goal of simply detecting and quantifying the associated risks after a vaccine has been authorized.

The authors continued that post-authorization studies are needed to fully characterize the safety profile of a new vaccine since prelicensure clinical trials have limited sample sizes, follow-up durations, and population heterogeneity.

Post-authorization vaccine safety research requires adequate and timely funding directly linked to introducing new vaccines.

However, the U.S. CDC's vaccine safety monitoring budget has remained stagnant at about $20 million per year.

Although these resources have been used efficiently, this inadequate level of funding has adversely affected the speed and completeness of the science.

The unedited, complete Perspective is posted at this NEJM link.

These authors did not disclose industry conflicts of interest and were from the Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore; Emory University, Atlanta; the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and the Brighton Collaboration, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA.

Sub Title:

Following authorization vaccine clinical research efforts continues

References:

NEJM - Funding Postauthorization Vaccine-Safety Science

US FDA Clinical Trial Basics

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by Pete Linforth

Portfolio of Influenza Vaccines Shipped Ahead of 2024-2025 Flu Season

Karen McClorey Hackett — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:26:16 +0000

Reviewer:

Robert Carlson, MD

According to Stefan Merlo, Vice President of Commercial Operations, North America, CSL Seqirus, pharmacies in the United States will soon offer updated flu shots.

Mr. Merlo exclusively informed Precision Vaccinations News that as of July 9, 2024, CSL Seqirus was already shipping its differentiated influenza vaccines for the 2024/25 Northern Hemisphere flu season.

"This year, we've transitioned to trivalent vaccine formulations, aligning with U.S. FDA guidelines."

"Our primary goal is to bolster protection against influenza— a mission that grows more critical season over season as immunization rates decline. By ensuring timely and widespread distribution of our vaccines, we aim to support healthcare providers in safeguarding their patients and communities this flu season."

"The recent declines in flu vaccination rates pose a significant impact on public health, particularly by straining healthcare systems and resulting in the U.S. CDC seeing higher influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths compared to season’s past."

"This unfortunate trend was seen across various and vulnerable age groups, with a 22% drop among children aged six months to 18 years and a 14% decrease in adults over 65, a group that typically maintains stable immunization rates."

"In response to the decline in immunization rates, CSL Seqirus is actively enhancing awareness of this significant problem and collaborating with public health stakeholders across the country to meet and exceed pre-pandemic vaccination levels."

"With shipments underway, we are confident in our ability to deliver supply consistently and do our part to increase immunization rates and reduce the burden of influenza."

"At CSL Seqirus, we remain at the forefront of the fight against influenza, committed to offering influenza vaccine options and protecting communities from influenza-related complications."

"Our innovative and diverse influenza vaccine portfolio is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of different age groups, ensuring that all eligible individuals can safely receive their annual flu vaccination."

"This commitment not only protects individuals from influenza but also safeguards their loved ones by reducing the severity and spread of the virus," concluded Merlo.

CSL Seqirus offers a differentiated influenza vaccine option in the U.S. approved for use in people aged six months and older, which includes:

FLUCELVAX® is a cell-based influenza vaccine indicated for use in people six months and older.

FLUAD®, the first and only adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine for adults 65 and older, is preferentially recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices over standard-dose influenza vaccines. FLUAD contains an MF59® adjuvant designed to strengthen, broaden, and lengthen the immune response when added to an influenza vaccine.

AFLURIA® is an egg-based influenza vaccine approved for use in eligible people six months and older.

During the last flu season in the U.S., local pharmacies successfully administered a significant share of influenza vaccines. This trend is expected to continue in 2024-2025 since pharmacies offer appointment scheduling and the broadest selection of vaccines.

Sub Title:

CSL Seqirus offers differentiated influenza vaccines for eligible people

Reference:

CSL Seqirus Begins Shipping Its Portfolio of Influenza Vaccines for the 2024/25 Flu Season

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