New intranasal, needle-free influenza vaccine now available in Singapore
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The FluMist Trivalent vaccine was announced by biopharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca in a statement on Nov 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SINGAPORE – A new intranasal influenza vaccine is now available in Singapore for those looking to get ahead of the flu season and are afraid of needles.
In a statement on Nov 18, UK-based biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced the availability of the vaccine, which has been approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for use in individuals aged two to 49 years.
The vaccine, also known as FluMist Trivalent, is for the prevention of influenza caused by virus subtypes A (H1N1, H3N2) and B/Victoria.
It is the first and only intranasal influenza vaccine available in Singapore. Other countries where it is already available include Britain and the US.
“Administered as a simple nasal spray, the vaccine offers an immunisation route that may enhance acceptance among eligible individuals who are hesitant about vaccination,” the statement said.
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, said in the statement: “Removing the barrier of needles could significantly increase vaccination uptake across the population.
“When more people are protected, we can better safeguard our most vulnerable and ease the burden of serious flu complications on our healthcare system.”
In response to queries from The Straits Times, an AstraZeneca Singapore spokesperson said the vaccine will be available islandwide during the Northern Hemisphere influenza seasons. It can currently be administered only by healthcare professionals.
Those interested can check with their private general practitioners and specialist clinics on the vaccine’s availability, the spokesperson added.
The cost of the vaccine will be determined by individual clinics and hospitals.
Influenza viruses circulate year-round in Singapore
Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, hospitalisation or death, particularly among vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Common side effects of the vaccine observed include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat in adults and mild fever in young children, AstraZeneca said.
The FluMist Trivalent vaccine was announced by biopharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca in a statement on Nov 18.
PHOTO: ASTRAZENECA SINGAPORE
Adjunct Associate Professor Chan Poh Chong, head and senior consultant at the National University Hospital’s division of general ambulatory paediatrics and adolescent medicine, said this is a good option for children who can take the vaccine but are afraid of needles, to protect them against influenza.
He added that this type of vaccine has not been widely used in paediatrics because of its limitations. It is suitable only for those above two years of age, is not for children with recurrent wheezing and asthma due to the risk of triggering an attack, and is not for patients with weakened immune systems.
“There were initial concerns on the effectiveness of this intranasal vaccine compared with the injectable form, but this has improved over the years,” he said.
Dr Chan said most doctors would still have the injectable vaccines, as these have fewer limitations and have been shown to be more consistently effective.
