Cell-based flu vaccine could be more effective in preventing the flu

A new retrospective analysis by Divino and colleagues published in the January 2022 issue of Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that cell-derived quadrivalent influenza vaccines (IIV4c) are significantly more effective than standard egg-derived (IIV4e) at preventing influenza-related hospitalizations or ED visits, which is also associated with lower overall health care costs. Most United States manufactured using a traditional egg-based process, plays critical role prevention. Based on study’s initial sample recipients, 79.3% (6,578,855 out 8,300,292) study participants received IIV4e, while 20.7% (1,721,437 IIV4c during period August 2019 to 2020. “The IIV4e process can cause strain mutate, may lead an antigenic mismatch between circulating strains inactivated contained within seasonal vaccine,” said Victoria Divino, investigator. “This result reduced vaccine effectiveness, particularly for A(H3N2) viruses.” The used IQVIA PharMetrics Plus administrative claims database investigate visits other clinical outcomes postvaccination classified diagnosis codes 2019–2020 season (beginning 4, 2019, ending March 7, 2020). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW)–weighted multivariate Poisson regression models were developed estimate adjusted rate ratios (RRs) compared average effect, effect entire population. Adjusted rVE was calculated as (1-RR)*100%. After applying eligibility criteria IPTW adjustment, 1,150,134 3,924,819 aged 4 64 years respectively. Comorbidities evaluated baseline, cohorts well-balanced all measured confounders post-IPTW, including baseline comorbidity, who associate principal IQVIA, data science company Durham, NC. Clinical all-cause costs separately this post-IPTW. colleague’s results demonstrate relative effectiveness (rVE) 5.3% high activity December 8, higher hospitalizations/ED concerning any respiratory event (8.2%), pneumonia (6.7%), asthma/COPD/bronchial events (7.6%), according study. annualized postvaccination—with difference $467 per participant—than driven outpatient medical services inpatient hospitalizations. Although adjust imbalances cohorts, it possible remained due potential unmeasured confounding variables, Divino. “Unfortunately, utilized does not include information socioeconomic status, race, culture,” “Also, largely commercially insured self-insured, so these findings be representative uninsured Medicaid populations,” noted, indicating additional research needed among populations. Given choice options, better visits. significant cost savings.