GSK starts shipping flu vaccine for 2023-24 season

GSK has started shipping doses of its quadrivalent influenza vaccines to U.S. healthcare providers and pharmacies in preparation for the 2023-24 flu season. This immediately follows a licensing and lot-release approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

GSK said it expects to distribute over 40 million doses of its influenza vaccine to the U.S. market. Both Flulaval Quadrivalent and Fluarix Quadrivalent will be available in a 0.5 ml, single-dose, pre-filled syringe, and are indicated for patients six months and older.

GSK noted that CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for anyone aged six months and older who does not have contraindications. According to CDC, annual influenza vaccination is the best way to help protect against the flu, with September and October being the best time for most people to be vaccinated. CDC estimates that, from Oct. 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023, there have been 27–54 million flu illnesses, 300,000–650,000 flu hospitalizations and 19,000–58,000 flu deaths.

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The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Anyone can get the flu, however, it can be serious for young children, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women and people with pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as asthma, GSK noted.

Fluarix Quadrivalent and Fluaval Quadrivalent are vaccines indicated for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccines. 

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