FluMist Quadrivalent: alternative to Fluenz Tetra

By Moriam Adetokunboh-Ajala on the 3 November 2015

FluMist Quadrivalent is an intranasal influenza vaccine that can be used to vaccinate children once supplies of Fluenz Tetra are exhausted.

Despite the wording on the packaging, in the UK FluMist Quadrivalent should only be used in children between 24 months and 18 years of age.

As a result of a supply shortage there are insufficient supplies of Fluenz Tetra to meet the timelines for the 2015/16 influenza vaccination programme. In order to cover the deficit, AstraZeneca has reached an agreement with the MHRA to supply two batches of pharmaceutically identical US labelled FluMist Quadrivalent in addition to the usual Fluenz Tetra stock. Supplies of FluMist Quadrivalent will be distributed once existing stocks of Fluenz Tetra have been delivered.

Further information
View Fluenz Tetra drug record
Summary of Product Characteristics
Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

As the two products are identical all FluMist Quadrivalent packs will be supplied with a UK PIL which should be made available with each dose. The US leaflet in the packs should be discarded. FluMist Quadrivalent should be used in accordance with the UK SPC for Fluenz Tetra.

The FluMist Quadrivalent batches being supplied (FL2113 & FL2118) must not be used after February 24th 2016. A pre-planned withdrawal of any unused stock will begin on January 25th 2016.