Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination – Impact of COVID-19, ‘Tripledemic’ Threat, Importance of Flu Vaccination – Medriva

Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination

Consumer demand for the flu shot has seen a worrying decline in 2024, with only 155 million influenza vaccines distributed during the 2023-2024 season. This is a significant drop from the 173.37 million in the previous season and the 194 million in the 2021-2022 season. This decline in demand raises serious concerns about the potential impact on public health and emphasizes the urgent need for awareness campaigns to encourage vaccination.

Its worth noting that the demand for COVID vaccines has also fallen sharply since 2021 when the shots first became available. Moderna reported preliminary 2023 sales of 6.7 billion for its COVID vaccine, surpassing the lower end of its full year forecast. The company is set to report late-stage data from its next generation COVID shot and a combination flu COVID shot in 2024. Furthermore, Moderna plans to seek regulatory approvals in 2024 for its seasonal flu shot, which generated a stronger immune response against all four A and B strains of the virus compared to traditional flu shots in a late-stage trial.

The declining demand for flu shots, coupled with a decrease in COVID-19 vaccination, is leading to concerns about a potential tripledemic of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Vaccine uptake for RSV and flu is lagging, with only about 10% of nursing home residents receiving the RSV vaccine by mid-December. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospital admissions have been rising, and flu activity is currently elevated and increasing in most parts of the country. This has led the CDC to issue a health alert to encourage vaccination and testing for these respiratory viruses. Health officials are particularly concerned about a potential surge in cases following holiday travel and are emphasizing the importance of vaccinations among healthcare workers to maintain capacity in hospitals.

The Weekly Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Dashboard provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data, including coverage estimates, using data sources like surveys, healthcare claims, and electronic medical records. It underscores the importance of flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, especially those at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. It also states that it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time.

A recent study suggests that a high-dose flu vaccine may be more effective for adults aged 50 to 64 years compared to standard-dose vaccines. The study evaluated a recombinant vaccine with more influenza hemagglutinin protein and found that flu cases were about 15% lower in the 50 to 64 age group. This could provide a substantial public health benefit, especially during severe influenza seasons.

In conclusion, the declining demand for flu shots and other vaccines poses a significant threat to public health. Its crucial to boost public awareness about the importance of vaccinations and to develop strategies to increase vaccine uptake. The health of our communities depends on it.

Go here to see the original:

Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination - Impact of COVID-19, 'Tripledemic' Threat, Importance of Flu Vaccination - Medriva