CAMBRIDGE, MA – June 22, 2022 – A majority (66%) of surveyed healthcare providers (HCPs) in the U.S. said that if they could recommend to the CDC one influenza vaccine for adults 65 years and older (65+), they would choose a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine), according to a survey of 700 U.S. HCPs conducted by Ipsos, the world’s third-largest insights and analytical company and sponsored by Sanofi.1
Two-thirds (66%) of the HCPs said that if they were voting members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), they would recommend the use of a vaccine like Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for adults 65+.1 HCP responses to the blinded survey cited reasons for preference, including the vaccine's superior efficacy compared to a standard-dose influenza vaccine and total years evaluated in real-world studies. The survey results underscore the importance of an ACIP preferential recommendation and come as the ACIP evaluates data to provide guidance for flu vaccines in this vulnerable population.
Influenza can lead to life-threatening complications, including pneumonia and serious heart conditions, especially in older adults.2 Recent estimates showed that 70-85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% flu-related hospitalizations occurred in adults 65+.3 However, ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccines for that population have not changed since 2010 and currently, the ACIP does not provide preferential vaccine recommendations for these patients.4
The 65+ Flu Vaccines HCP Preference Survey was designed to evaluate HCP influenza vaccine brand preference for three different influenza vaccines. When presented with blinded clinical profiles of the three vaccines, nearly 74% of HCPs said they would recommend a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone® High-Dose Quadrivalent for patients 65+ over another flu vaccine designed for this population, or over a standard-dose influenza vaccine.1
Other key takeaways from the survey included:
- 76% of HCPs would recommend a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for their family and friends, if over 65+.1
- 72% of HCPs would prefer a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for themselves, if over 65+.1
- 96% of HCPs are very or somewhat likely to follow ACIP guidance when vaccinating adults 65+ for seasonal flu.1
Michael Greenberg, MD
North America Medical Head of Vaccines at Sanofi
“Given the importance of protecting this vulnerable population from the flu, this new survey underscores the need for clear and specific guidance, ideally with a recommendation for Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, based on demonstrated clinical results and real-world evidence. In fact, most healthcare professionals surveyed said they would prefer a vaccine with the clinical profile of Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for themselves, their family and friends.1 This guidance could help to improve patient and provider confidence, patient outcomes, and access for patients to the recommended vaccine. It’s important for ACIP guidance to follow the science, especially for older adults who suffer the greatest burden from seasonal flu.”
With protection against four flu strains, Fluzone High-Dose is the only influenza vaccine licensed for use in adults 65 years of age and older to have demonstrated superior efficacy in a randomized controlled trial versus a standard dose influenza vaccine for the prevention of laboratory-confirmed influenza illness and the only influenza vaccine with 10 years of data demonstrating protection from flu and its related complications.5,6 a,b In a meta-analysis of 15 published reports, including approximately 34 million people, those who received Fluzone High-Dose experienced approximately an 18% reduction in cardiorespiratory hospitalizations and over a 27% decrease in pneumonia hospitalizations, both of which are reductions above what the standard dose vaccines provided.6
a Proven superiority in a clinical trial between Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine) (trivalent formulation) and a standard-dose influenza vaccine5
b Includes 10 years of evidence (2009-2019) with Fluzone High-Dose (trivalent formulation)6
About the 65+ Flu Vaccines Healthcare Professional Preference Survey
The 65+ Flu Vaccines HCP Preference Survey was conducted online among 700 licensed primary care physicians, pharmacists, cardiologists and pulmonologists within the United States by Ipsos, the world’s third-largest insights and analytics company, on behalf of Sanofi from March 9 to 23, 2022. The survey was designed to evaluate HCP influenza vaccine preference between three different influenza vaccine options in a blinded format (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent , Fluzone Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine) and Fluad Quadrivalent (Influenza Vaccine, Adjuvanted)). The sample size, the range of demographics, and practice type suggest that the results are relevant of the flu administering population. The 65+ HCP Preference Survey was reviewed and approved by independent review board (IRB) Salus, an AAHRP-accredited IRB. This survey was not designed to compare the efficacy and safety of the three vaccines used in this survey. There are no head-to-head clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of the three vaccines used in this survey. While survey participation was voluntary, respondents were compensated within industry standards for their time and were not informed of the survey’s sponsor.
About Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is a vaccine indicated for prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza A and B strains contained in the vaccine. Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is given to people 65 years of age and older.5
Fluzone High-Dose is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. FDA for superior flu protection in adults 65 years of age and older, compared to a standard-dose flu vaccine.5 With 4-strain protection, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent builds on the legacy of the trivalent formulation, which was clinically proven to be 24.2% more effective at preventing flu than standard-dose Fluzone (Influenza Vaccine) in adults 65+.7 Based on data from Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine), side effects were slightly more frequent after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose compared to a standard-dose vaccine.8
In addition, Fluzone High-Dose has demonstrated protection against influenza and its related complications including pneumonia-, and cardiorespiratory- hospitalizations.6
The efficacy of trivalent formulation is relevant to Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent since both products are manufactured according to the same process and have overlapping compositions.5
Outside of the U.S., Sanofi's High-Dose influenza vaccine has also earned recommendations for use over standard-dose influenza vaccine in individual adults 65 years and older by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in Canada, along with a recommendation for priority use in older adults by Germany's Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO).9,10
Important Safety Information
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent should not be given to anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, including eggs or egg products, or after previous dose of any influenza vaccine.
Tell your health care provider if you have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) after a previous influenza vaccination.
If Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is given to people with a compromised immune system, including those receiving therapies that suppress the immune system, the immune response may be lower than expected.
Vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent may not protect all people who receive the vaccine.
For Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, in adults 65 years of age and older, the most common side effects were pain, redness, and/or swelling where you got the shot; muscle ache, headache, and general discomfort. Other side effects may occur.
Please see the Prescribing Information, including Patient Information Sheet.
About Sanofi
We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions.
Sanofi is listed on EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY
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1 Ipsos Market Research. 65+ Flu Vaccines Healthcare Professional Preference Survey - Final Report (Data on File)
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Symptoms & Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu & People 65 Years and Older. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm.
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza ACIP Vaccine Recommendations. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/flu.html.
5 Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent [Prescribing Information]. Swiftwater, PA: Sanofi
6 Lee JKH, Lam GKL, Shin T, et al.(2021) Efficacy and effectiveness of high-dose influenza vaccine in older adults by circulating strain and antigenic match: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2021; 39: A24-A35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.09.004.
7 DiazGranados CA, et al. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(7):635-645 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1315727
8 Falsey AR, Treanor JJ, Tornieporth N, Capellan J, Gorse GJ. Randomized, double-blind controlled phase 3 trial comparing the immunogenicity of high-dose and standard-dose influenza vaccine in adults 65 years of age and older. J Infect Dis. 2009;200(2):172-180. doi:10.1086/599790
9 Public Health Agency of Canada (2020. An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on Influenza and Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2021–2022
10 Epidemiological Bulletin 1/2021. Decision and scientific justification of the STIKO for the update of the influenza vaccination recommendation for people aged ≥60 years. Available at: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Archiv/2021/01/Tabelle.html;jsessionid=24A230AD6414D945791E39A4474D7164.internet071?nn=2371176https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Archiv/2021/01/Tabelle.html;jsessionid=24A230AD6414D945791E39A4474D7164.internet071?nn=2371176