Influenza immunisation in those 50+ years is challenging
Immunosenescence (age-related decline in immune response) can lower influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults 50 years and older.2,3
People aged 50 years and older, experience worse outcomes in response to influenza infection compared to healthy younger adults.3
As a result of influenza infection, people aged 50 years and older are more susceptible to hospitalisations and increased severity of infection often due to comorbidities compared to healthy younger adults. These factors may lead to a decreased quality of life and an increased rate of mortality.4,5
Adding the MF59® Adjuvant to the influenza vaccine significantly enhances antibody responses*1,6
Increases the magnitude of the antibody response by stimulating more immune cells to create more antibodies.*7,8
Broadens the antibody response by creating higher levels of cross-reactive antibodies.*7-9
Impact of MF59® Adjuvant
Observational studies in older adults, showed improved vaccine effectiveness compared with the standard egg-based influenza vaccine*:
Lower risk
of medical encounters due to influenza-related outcomes, including hospitalisations, ER visits and GP visits10-18
18.2 - 36.3% reduction
in influenza-related GP visits12,14
Longer protection
Antibody levels, specifically A strains H1N1 and H3N2, are higher at 12 months post vaccination7,19
377 million†
doses distributed worldwide20
*compared to non-adjuvanted, standard dose influenza vaccines. Observational studies have limitations including potential for selection bias, residual confounding. Studies were conducted in different seasons with different circulating strains in patients 65 years of age and older. Influenza infection was not laboratory confirmed in all studies. †Dose count includes doses distributed globally as of June 2025 and includes both FLUAD Trivalent and FLUAD Quad.
Safety, tolerability and experience
Clinical trials and extensive real-world experience demonstrated that FLUAD has a systemic safety profile similar to that of other seasonal flu vaccines.1,7
Vaccination with FLUAD might be associated with more local reactions compared to other seasonal flu vaccines.
These are usually mild to moderate and typically resolve within 1–3 days.1,21
Approved in New Zealand, Australia, UK, EU, US and other countries.22
Important information regarding ordering FLUAD for 2026
FLUAD® will be available unfunded in NZ for the 2026 influenza season.
FLUAD can be ordered directly from HCL in the usual manner. Note: no minimum order quantity and no small order charge apply.
In 2026 FLUAD will cost $20.00+GST per dose from HCL, and will be available in boxes of 10 units.
References: 1. Seqirus NZ. FLUAD Quad Data Sheet. Seqirus (NZ) Ltd. September 2025. 2. Andrew MK et al. Drugs Aging. 2019;36(1):29-37. 3. Monto AS et al. Vaccine. 2009;27(37):5043-5053. 4. Gavazzi G et al. Lancet Infect Dis. 2002;2:659-666. 5. Thompson WW et al. JAMA. 2004;292:1333-1340. 6. Podda A. Vaccine. 2001;19(17-19):2673-2680. 7. Frey SE et al. Vaccine. 2014;32(39):5027-5034. 8. Ansaldi F et al. Vaccine. 2010;28(25):4123-4129. 9. O’Hagan DT et al. Expert Rev Vacc 2011; 10(4):447–462. 10. Lapi F et al. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2019;18(6):663-670. 11. Mannino S et al. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2012;176(6):527-533. 12. Pelton S et al. Vaccines. 2020;8(3):446. 13. McConeghy KW et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;ciaa1233. 14. Boikos C et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;ciab152. 15. Izurieta HS et al. J Infect Dis. 2019;220(8):1255-1264. 16. Izurieta HS et al. J Infect Dis. 2020;222(2):278-287. 17. Izurieta HS et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;19;ciaa1727. 18. Coleman BL et al. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2021;15(6):813-823. 19.Kavian N, et al. ClinTransl Immunology.2020;9(2):e1107. 20. CSL Seqirus Data on File #8 21. Beyer WEP et al. Vaccine 29 (2011) 5785– 5792. 22. CSL Seqirus Data on file #10.
FLUAD® is an unfunded Prescription Medicine. FLUAD® is an inactivated influenza vaccine, with an MF59® Adjuvant, as a suspension for injection in a single-dose glass syringe. PRESENTATION: Each dose contains 45 micrograms/0.5 mL of surface haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from three influenza virus strains INDICATIONS: For active immunisation against seasonal influenza for people 50 years of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine, except egg proteins; previous dose of any influenza vaccine. ADVERSE EVENTS: Common injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Most of these reactions disappear within 3 days. Rare but serious events include thrombocytopenia; lymphadenopathy; muscular weakness; allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis; encephalomyelitis, Guillain Barré syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, paraesthesia, convulsions; vasculitis with transient renal involvement; generalised skin reactions; and severe injection-site reactions (extensive limb swelling or cellulitis-like reactions). PRECAUTIONS: Postpone immunisation in patients with acute febrile illness or infection. Antibody responses may not be protective in all vaccinees, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. FLUAD® is for intramuscular injection use only. Persons with a history of anaphylaxis to egg should be vaccinated only in medical facilities with staff experienced in recognising and treating anaphylaxis. Co-administration with other vaccines has not been studied. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, consider potential benefits and risks. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Gently shake before use; inject a single 0.5 mL dose into the deltoid muscle. Store at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. Before prescribing, review the FLUAD® Data Sheet at www.medsafe.govt.nz, or from Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. FLUAD® is a registered trademark of Seqirus UK Ltd and its affiliates. 10/25 NZ-FLU-23-0026. TAPS DA 2508ER. Updated December 2025. INSIGHT 13414
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