U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday has approved a new vaccine to prevent seasonal influenza.
Agriflu by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, is not intended to protect against the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.
The vaccine was approved under an accelerated approval process, said the FDA. Novartis showed that the vaccine induces levels of antibodies in the blood that are effective in preventing seasonal influenza, but it remains to carry out further studies.
Agriflu, is 18 years and older, is given by injection into the upper arm and is available in single dose, prefilled syringes, according to the FDA.
Novartis produces another licensed for seasonal influenza vaccine, Fluvirin, approved for ages 4 and older.
Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective in preventing disease, vaccination is the key to preventing influenza, according to the FDA.
Novartis spokesman Eric Althoff said Agriflu made in Siena, Italy, with eggs, and it has been available in Europe under the brand Aggripal. This approval, he said, will complement the upcoming season's vaccine supply.
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