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Influenzavaccinatie in Nederland - naar het quadrivalent influenzavaccin

Meijer, A., Fouchier, R., Donker, G., Lange, M. de, Voordouw, B. Influenzavaccinatie in Nederland - naar het quadrivalent influenzavaccin Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Medische Microbiologie: 2019, 27(3)
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Background:
Influenza vaccines traditionally contain antigens from three influenza virus strains, A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and a type B influenza virus; trivalent vaccine (TIV). In the late seventies/early eighties of the last century, type B influenza virus evolved into two genetic lineages, B/Victoria/2/87 (B/Victoria) and B/Yamagata/16/88 (B/Yamagata), of which the hemagglutinins became increasingly antigenically distinct over time. As a result, antibodies induced by the one B-​lineage in TIV were increasingly less cross-​reactive against viruses from the other B-​lineage.

Recommendations WHO:
In 2012, this resulted in recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the composition of quadrivalent vaccine (QIV) in which both B lineages are included. Until 2018/2019, TIV was used in the Dutch National Influenza Prevention Program (NPG) for assumed cross protection and proven cost-​effectiveness.

Decision:
The severe 2017/2018 epidemic dominated by B/Yamagata prompted the State Secretary to decide to use QIV in the NPG starting in the 2019/2020 season. This article provides a summary overview of the scientific background that led to this decision.