A new adjuvanted trivalent inactive flu vaccine (Fluad from Seqirus) has been licenced and is available for use for the 2018/19 flu season.

Based on available evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has concluded that adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine is more effective and highly cost effective in those aged over 65 years and above compared with the non-adjuvanted or ‘normal’ influenza vaccines currently used in the UK for this age group.

The JCVI advises that the use of the adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine should be a priority for those aged 75 and over, given that the non-adjuvanted inactivated vaccine has showed no significant effectiveness in this group over recent seasons. Adjuvanted trivalent flu vaccine is therefore currently considered to be the only licensed cost-effective option for this group.

A letter summarising the JCVI’s advice was sent on December 22, 2017.