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A leader in influenza prevention today announced significant growth in its vaccine business against a backdrop of reduced immunization rates worldwide.
CSL Seqirus confirmed that on August 15, 2023, its total revenue of $2,031 million was up 9%, driven by growth in seasonal influenza vaccines, particularly FLUCELVAX®, which increased 30%.
FLUCELVAX's indication now includes six months+ age indication in the U.S., Argentina, Canada, Taiwan, Australia & New Zealand.
Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized FLUAD® as a preferentially recommended seasonal vaccine option for adults aged 65+ years.
Both of these vaccines for the 2023-2024 flu season began shipping globally, including the U.S., on July 17, 2023.
Dr. Gregg Sylvester, Chief Health Officer CSL Seqirus, commented in a related press release, "As we commence shipment to healthcare providers across the U.S., it's critical that we raise immunization rates this season to help protect as many people as possible from influenza and its potentially life-threatening complications."
The CDC encourages most people to get an annual flu shot before influenza viruses arrive. These vaccines are generally available at health clinics and community pharmacies in the U.S.
The United States has maintained the elimination of measles since 2000. However, measles outbreaks have recently occurred when people travel to and from the U.S., especially when travelers are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against measles.
The CDC updated its list of the top ten measles outbreaks on August 10, 2023, indicating India has reported over 57,000 measles cases during the past year.
And they reissued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice in late June 2023, confirming a global measles outbreak.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated it would conduct a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar on August 17, 2023, focused on eliminating measles in the U.S.
This effort requires continued investment in the measles vaccination program,s which are instrumental to achieving elimination.
Additionally, healthcare providers and public health authorities need to remain vigilant to rapidly recognize measles and take steps to mitigate the spread within communities for continued measles elimination. Healthcare providers should consider measles a diagnosis in anyone with a fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks.
Furthermore, the CDC urges all healthcare providers to ensure their patients are current on measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss the history of measles in the U.S., review clinical presentation and diagnosis of measles infection, review how to report suspected cases to public health agencies and outline recommendations for measles vaccination in the U.S.
When: Thursday, August 17, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET; Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603132944; Webinar ID: 160 313 2944; Passcode: 532989.
In the U.S., various measles vaccines are generally available at health clinics and community pharmacies.
The Republic of Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría International Airport recently reported over 2.8 million passengers passed through its facility during the first half of 2023.
As of June 2023, this activity represents a 4.3% increase in arriving and departing travelers compared to 2019.
The Tico Times reported on August 11, 2023, "The airport now hosts twenty-five airlines serving thirty-five destinations, enhancing global connectivity," said Erick Barboza, AERIS Business Development Director.
Recent AERIS analyses indicate increased Millennial (42%) and Generation X (32%) travelers to Costa Rica.
While in the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration's latest report indicated airport activity has not increased compared to 2019.
From a health perspective, Costa Rica was confronted with dengue, malaria, and Zika cases in 2023.
As influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons approach the U.S., health leaders focus on pregnant women's vaccination needs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will conduct a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) webinar on August 10, 2023, to share updated clinical vaccination guidance for pregnant women.
The CDC and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology emphasize the importance of vaccinations for pregnant women and recommend vaccinations against pertussis, flu, and COVID-19 to protect themselves and their babies during the first few months of life.
The CDC says there have been recent declines in vaccination coverage for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and flu shots and low uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women.
During Thursday's COCA Call, presenters (Naima T. Joseph MD, MPH, Tara C. Jatlaoui, MD, MPH) will give a comprehensive overview of the timing and promotion of vaccines people should receive during pregnancy and provide an update on RSV vaccine candidates for pregnant women.
This one-hour webinar is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET, at Webinar Link:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604412918; ID: 160 441 2918; Passcode: 650748. Note: Zoom recently modified its privacy policies.
Updated August 10, 2023 - presentation slides.
Novavax, Inc. today announced its operational highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.
"During the first half of 2023, Novavax has been focused on execution, making significant progress on all three of our key priorities. We have initiated the filing for authorization of our updated XBB COVID vaccine in the U.S., with submissions in the European Union and Canada to follow. We are manufacturing at commercial scale in support of our plan to deliver our vaccine on time for the fall season," said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax, in a press release on August 8, 2023.
"We continue to work towards deriving additional value from our pipeline and technology and will be advancing our COVID-Influenza Combination vaccine candidate through the next stage gates and towards late-stage development."
Novavax also received first Full Marketing Authorization in Europe for Nuvaxovid™ as a primary series in individuals aged 12 and older and as a booster in adults aged 18 and older.
Since authorization, Nuvaxovid™, a protein-based vaccine, has been distributed in about 40 markets.
On July 11, 2022, Novavax announced an agreement with the U.S. HHS to secure 3.2 million doses of Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine.
And the company initiated the rolling submission of a U.S. Biologics License Application for full approval of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted for adults and adolescents aged 12 through 18.
