
The recombinant influenza vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years and older. It is also suitable for people 18 years and older. However, the effectiveness of the recombinant influenza vaccine compared to standard-dose vaccines in adults under 65 years is still being studied.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age indication | Adults under 65 years of age |
| Adults 50-64 years of age (primary age group) | |
| 18-49 years of age | |
| 18 years and older | |
| ≥65 years old | |
| Children of any age | |
| Type | Quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine |
| High-dose recombinant vaccine | |
| Comparison with standard-dose vaccines | Contain three times the amount of hemagglutinin protein |
| Not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing | |
| Relative effectiveness | 15.7% against influenza A |
| 10.0% against PCR-confirmed influenza | |
| 2.00 cases per 1000 participants | |
| 2.18 PCR-confirmed influenza cases per 1000 participants | |
| Safety | Comparable to other injectable flu vaccines |
| Side effects | Pain and tenderness |
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What You'll Learn
- The recombinant vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years and older
- Flublok recombinant vaccine is FDA-approved for people 18 years and older
- Recombinant vaccines are not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing
- Recombinant vaccines are safe for people with egg allergies
- Recombinant vaccines are safe for pregnant women

The recombinant vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years and older
The recombinant influenza vaccine, also known as Flublok, is recommended for adults 65 years and older. This vaccine is one of the three preferentially recommended vaccines for this age group, the other two being the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine and the Fluad adjuvanted influenza vaccine.
The recommendation for adults over 65 to receive the recombinant vaccine is based on a review of existing studies, which suggest that these vaccines are potentially more effective than standard-dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines in this age category. The recombinant vaccine contains three times the amount of hemagglutinin protein as standard-dose egg-based vaccines, and it is not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing.
The recombinant vaccine is licensed for use in people 18 years and older. However, the CDC specifically highlights the potential benefits for those 65 and older. The ACIP, which is the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, recommends that adults in this older age group receive either a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant influenza vaccine. If none of these three vaccines are available, any age-appropriate influenza vaccine can be given instead.
It is important to note that the recombinant vaccine is not recommended for people under the age of 18. Additionally, individuals who have had severe allergic reactions to any ingredient in the vaccine or have previously reacted to a recombinant flu vaccine should avoid Flublok.
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Flublok recombinant vaccine is FDA-approved for people 18 years and older
Flublok, the recombinant influenza vaccine, is FDA-approved for people aged 18 years and older. The vaccine is not suitable for people outside of this age range, specifically those younger than 18. The CDC recommends that people under the approved age who have had severe allergic reactions to any ingredient in the vaccine or who have had allergic reactions to recombinant flu vaccines should not get Flublok Trivalent.
Flublok is one of the three vaccines preferentially recommended for people aged 65 years and older. The other two vaccines are Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad adjuvanted influenza vaccine. The recommendation is based on a review of available studies, which suggests that these vaccines are potentially more effective than standard-dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines in this age group.
The recombinant vaccine formulation is not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing. It contains three times the amount of hemagglutinin protein as standard-dose egg-based vaccines. However, data is still needed on the relative effectiveness of recombinant vaccines compared to standard-dose vaccines against influenza-related outcomes in adults under the age of 65.
In an observational study, Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities administered either a high-dose recombinant influenza vaccine (Flublok Quadrivalent) or one of two standard-dose influenza vaccines to adults aged 50 to 64 years (primary age group) and 18 to 49 years. The study found that the recombinant vaccine was not significantly more protective against influenza-related hospitalization than standard-dose vaccines.
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Recombinant vaccines are not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing
The recombinant influenza vaccine is an alternative to the traditional egg-based vaccine, which has been the standard for decades. The recombinant vaccine is produced using a baculovirus expression vector system to express recombinant haemagglutinin (rHA) in insect cells. This method of vaccine production offers several advantages over traditional egg-based vaccines.
One significant advantage of recombinant vaccines is their resistance to antigenic drift during manufacturing. Antigenic drift refers to the gradual accumulation of point mutations in the influenza virus's genetic material, resulting in new strains that require the seasonal influenza vaccine to be reformulated annually. The egg-based vaccine manufacturing process can introduce mutations in the virus, reducing the vaccine's effectiveness. In contrast, recombinant vaccines are not susceptible to these mutations during production, ensuring a more stable and reliable vaccine.
The recombinant influenza vaccine contains three times the amount of hemagglutinin protein as standard-dose egg-based vaccines. Hemagglutinin is a critical antigenic protein that stimulates the production of antibodies to protect against influenza infection. By including a higher amount of hemagglutinin, recombinant vaccines can potentially provide better protection against the virus.
The effectiveness of the recombinant influenza vaccine has been studied in various age groups. Clinical trials have been conducted in adults aged 50 to 64, comparing the recombinant vaccine to standard-dose vaccines. These studies found that the recombinant vaccine offered greater protection against PCR-confirmed influenza in this age group. Additionally, the recombinant vaccine has been tested in adults under 65, with similar findings suggesting increased protection compared to standard-dose vaccines.
While the recombinant influenza vaccine shows promise, particularly in adults over 50, more data is needed to fully understand its effectiveness compared to standard-dose vaccines across different age groups. The safety of recombinant vaccines has been established, with side effects similar to those of other injectable flu vaccines. Overall, the development of recombinant influenza vaccines provides a valuable alternative to traditional egg-based vaccines, offering improved protection and resistance to antigenic drift.
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Recombinant vaccines are safe for people with egg allergies
Recombinant vaccines are generally considered safe for people with egg allergies. According to the CDC, people with egg allergies may receive any vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is suitable for their age and health status. This includes recombinant vaccines, which do not use chicken eggs or the flu virus in their manufacturing process.
In the past, additional safety measures were recommended for people with egg allergies receiving the flu vaccine. However, beginning with the 2023-2024 flu season, these additional precautions are no longer necessary. All vaccines, including the recombinant flu vaccine, should be administered in settings where allergic reactions can be recognised and treated promptly.
While recombinant vaccines are generally safe for people with egg allergies, there have been reports of allergic reactions in individuals with a self-reported egg allergy or previous allergic reaction to an inactivated influenza vaccine. These reactions may not necessarily be related to egg proteins, as other ingredients in the vaccine could potentially trigger an allergic response. Therefore, it is important for individuals with egg allergies to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the recombinant vaccine is suitable for them.
The recombinant flu vaccine, also known as Flublok, is licensed for use in people aged 18 years and older. Clinical studies have shown that the safety profile of recombinant flu vaccines is comparable to that of other injectable flu vaccines. The most commonly reported side effects of Flublok include pain and tenderness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches. These side effects are similar to those associated with other injectable flu vaccines.
In summary, recombinant vaccines are generally safe for individuals with egg allergies, and the decision to receive the vaccine should be based on age and health status. However, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess individual risks and benefits before receiving any vaccine.
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Recombinant vaccines are safe for pregnant women
The recombinant influenza vaccine is indicated for adults under 65 years of age. Specifically, the vaccine is recommended for adults between the ages of 18 and 64.
Historically, pregnant women have been excluded from the majority of drug and vaccine trials, which has been criticized by the scientific community. This has resulted in pregnant women being denied beneficial treatments or vaccines, or receiving them much later than their non-pregnant peers. In the absence of any significant adverse effects, confidence can be established in the safety of treatments for pregnant women.
Recombinant vaccines are considered safe in pregnancy due to their non-replicating nature. A phase 2 randomized controlled dose-ranging trial of recombinant pertussis booster vaccines containing genetically inactivated pertussis toxin in pregnant women indicated that recombinant vaccines may be suitable for use in immunizing pregnant women at a range of doses. The study found that the vaccines were non-inferior in terms of immunogenicity to the chemically inactivated pertussis vaccine licensed for this use in pregnant women, and they also showed acceptable safety profiles.
Additionally, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, while safety data concerning the vaccination of pregnant women with recombinant vaccines is limited compared to mRNA vaccines, animal studies have shown no clear adverse effects of vaccination on pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. Furthermore, observational data on pregnant women vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines has been gathered, and the vast majority of this data is reassuring regarding side effects for women and infants, indicating the efficacy of vaccines in protecting women against COVID-19-related complications.
Therefore, while more data is needed, current evidence suggests that recombinant vaccines are safe for pregnant women.
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Frequently asked questions
The recombinant influenza vaccine is licensed for use in people aged 18 and older.
There is no preferential recommendation for people younger than 65. If none of the three influenza vaccines recommended for people 65 and older are available, then any other age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be used.
The ACIP recommends that adults 65 and older receive either a high-dose, adjuvanted, or recombinant influenza vaccine. The three vaccines in this category are Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok recombinant influenza vaccine, and Fluad adjuvanted influenza vaccine.
Quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccines contain three times the amount of hemagglutinin protein as standard-dose egg-based vaccines, and the recombinant formulation is not susceptible to antigenic drift during manufacturing.









































