Use of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) during the remainder of the 2017/18 influenza season
Advisory Alert
January 29, 2018
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To our health care providers and community pharmacy partners,
Re: Use of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) during the remainder of the 2017/18 influenza season
While influenza A activity is within expected levels for this time of year, influenza B activity is much higher as compared to previous seasons.
Both influenza B strains are covered in this year’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV), recommended and publicly funded for children 6 months to less than 18 years of age, the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) recommended for adults contains only one type B strain.
For this reason, the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care is recommending that adults 18 years of age and older, who are unimmunized with the current season’s influenza vaccine and who are seeking vaccination, be offered QIV, in accordance with their health status and medical history. There is no evidence to support re-vaccination of those who have already received TIV.
The use of QIV in adult populations is supported by the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Inactivated QIV may be used in pregnant women. The use of LAIV in pregnancy is not recommended. For specific guidance on QIV use refer to: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/migration/phac-aspc/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/17vol43/dr-rm43-5/assets/pdf/17vol43_5-ar-03-eng.pdf
If you currently have QIV in your vaccine inventory, you may use it for this purpose. Additional, limited quantities are available for order through Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Your patients can also receive their vaccine at Public Health Sudbury & Districts or at a community pharmacy participating in the Universal Influenza Immunization Program.
Should you have any questions, please contact the immunization program as per below.
For all reporting, inquiries or comments, please contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit, operating as Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 301.
Sincerely,
Penny Sutcliffe, MD, MHSc, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health
This item was last modified on January 29, 2018