Flublok Influenza Vaccine Now Approved for Older Adults

The FDA has expanded its approval of Protein Sciences Corp’s Flublok influenza vaccine to cover patients aged 50 years and older, thus permitting its use in all adults.

“Older adults are known to be at high risk for contracting and developing complications from influenza,” said Lisa Dunkle, MD, chief medical officer of Protein Sciences, in a press release. “Flublok has been shown to induce high antibody levels in seniors.”

Flublok is the only 100% egg-free, recombinant protein-based vaccine for the prevention of seasonal influenza disease, and it contains 3 times more active antigen ingredients than traditional flu vaccines. The FDA originally approved Flublok in January 2013, and then granted it a shelf-life extension to 6 months earlier this year.

“People of all ages have been calling and asking for Flublok, and now it is terrific to be able to (finally) tell them that the product is approved for all adults,” said Protein Sciences President and CEO Dr. Manon M. J. Cox, MBA, in the press release.

The vaccine is available at Passport Health locations nationwide, as well as select pharmacies, clinics, and physicians’ offices.