Bird flu vaccine with adjuvant approved by FDA

An adjuvanted vaccine against influenza A (H5N1) virus has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine, Influenza A (H5N1) Virus Monovalent Vaccine, Adjuvanted, also referred to as Q-Pan H5N1, has been tested for safety by comparing approximately 3,400 adults 18 years of age and older who received the vaccine to about 1,100 adults who received placebo. This product was produced by a Canadian subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals and is intended for use in people 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus. It will be added to the national stockpile as a second vaccine option but will not be available for commercial use or purchase. As reported by the FDA, the vaccine could be used in case the avian flu virus develops the capability to spread efficiently from human to human.