ACIP Unanimously Recommends Flublok® Influenza Vaccine as the Preferred Choice for Adults with Egg Allergies

MERIDEN, Conn., June 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Protein Sciences announced today that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), passed a measure recommending the use of Flublok Influenza Vaccine for adults age 18 through 49 who have an egg allergy, regardless of severity.  The unanimous 13-0 vote shows unprecedented support for the use of a specific flu vaccine in this population.  Flublok is the only flu vaccine made without the use of eggs in any part of the manufacturing process.

"We are grateful to receive ACIP's unanimous support," commented Protein Sciences' President and CEO Manon Cox.  "It is wonderful that we are able provide a solution to those egg allergic individuals who have never felt comfortable getting a flu vaccine."

The ACIP is comprised of 15 experts selected by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The Committee is responsible for developing recommendations on how to use vaccines to control diseases in the United States.  These recommendations stand as public health advice that will lead to a reduction in the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases and an increase in the safe use of vaccines and related biological products.  ACIP recommendations become official when they are published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

About Protein Sciences and Flublok

Protein Sciences Corporation is a vaccine development and protein production company that is dedicated to saving lives and improving health through the creation of innovative vaccines and biopharmaceu­ticals.  

On January 16, 2013, the U.S. FDA approved Flublok, the world's first recombinant protein-based vaccine for the prevention of seasonal influenza disease, for use in adults 18-49 years old.  Flublok is the only flu vaccine made in a 100% egg-free system using modern cell culture technology, making it unnecessary to use an infectious influenza virus or antibiotics in manufacturing.  Flublok is highly purified and does not contain any preservatives (e.g., thimerosal, a mercury derivative), egg proteins or latex.  In addition, it contains 3x the active ingredient in traditional flu vaccines.

Learn more at www.proteinsciences.com and www.Flublok.com.

Important Safety Information

Flublok is approved for people 18-49 years old to prevent influenza disease. The most common side effect from Flublok is pain at the site of injection. Other side effects may occur and include fatigue, headache and muscle aches.

Flublok should not be administered to anyone with a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any vaccine component.

Tell the doctor if you have ever experienced Guillain-Barre syndrome (severe muscle weakness) within 6 weeks of receipt of a previous dose of influenza vaccine. If you notice any other problems or symptoms following vaccination, please contact your healthcare professional immediately. Vaccination with Flublok may not protect all individuals. 

Please see the complete Package Insert available at www.Flublok.com or call 203-686-0800 for more information.

SOURCE Protein Sciences Corporation