In short
Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the effectiveness and safety of an influenza vaccine containing the A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain. This strain, specifically A/Darwin/11/2021 (Wild Type), is one of four viral components in the Flucelvax Tetra vaccine. The trials aim to provide valuable insights into the vaccine's ability to protect against seasonal influenza, particularly the H3N2 subtype.
At a glance
- Vaccine Name
- Flucelvax Tetra
- Manufacturer
- Seqirus Netherlands B.V.
- Viral Strains
- A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-Like Strain (A/Darwin/11/2021, Wild Type), B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus, B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain, A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain
- Administration
- Intramuscular injection
- Formulation
- Suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe
- Dose
- 0.5 ml
- Authorization
- European Union and Norway
- ATC Code
- J07BB02 (Influenza, purified antigen)
What is A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN?
A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN (A/DARWIN/11/2021, WILD TYPE) is a component of the influenza vaccine known as Flucelvax Tetra. This strain is specifically designed to protect against a particular type of influenza virus that belongs to the H3N2 subtype. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, which is why vaccine compositions are updated regularly to match the circulating strains.
Vaccine Composition
Flucelvax Tetra is a quadrivalent vaccine, which means it contains four different influenza virus strains. The vaccine composition includes:
- A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN (A/DARWIN/11/2021, WILD TYPE)
- A/WISCONSIN/67/2022 (H1N1)PDM09-LIKE STRAIN (A/GEORGIA/12/2022 CVR-167)
- B/AUSTRIA/1359417/2021-LIKE STRAIN (B/SINGAPORE/WUH4618/2021)
- B/PHUKET/3073/2013-LIKE VIRUS (B/SINGAPORE/INFTT-16-0610/2016, WILD TYPE)
Each of these strains is chosen to provide broad protection against the most likely circulating influenza viruses for a given flu season.
How It Works
The A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN, along with the other strains in the vaccine, works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against these specific influenza viruses. When you're exposed to these viruses in the future, your body is better prepared to fight them off, reducing your risk of getting the flu or experiencing severe symptoms if you do get infected.
Administration
Flucelvax Tetra, which contains the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN, is administered as an intramuscular injection. This means the vaccine is injected directly into a muscle, usually in the upper arm for adults. The typical dose is 0.5 ml, given once per flu season.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of influenza vaccines, including the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN component, can vary from year to year. This is because the circulating influenza viruses may change or new strains may emerge. However, even when the vaccine is not a perfect match to circulating viruses, it can still provide some protection and may help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu.
Safety
Flucelvax Tetra, including the A/DARWIN/6/2021(H3N2)-LIKE STRAIN component, has been tested for safety and efficacy. Like all vaccines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of vaccination for your individual situation.