Health Team

New Seqirus flu shot for children to be developed at Holly Springs plant

A new flu shot is FDA approved for kids as young as 6 months old. You might not know that the shot will be made in Wake County.

Posted Updated

By
Chris Lovingood
, WRAL anchor/reporter
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — A new flu shot is FDA approved for kids as young as six months old.

You might not know that the shot is being made in Wake County.

Today's announcement from Seqirus about its flu vaccine's FDA approval was touted as increasing the potential for greater vaccine effectiveness.

Seqirus is one of the world’s largest influenza vaccine manufacturers and operates a massive plant in Holly Springs where development of the new therapies will be housed. The site produces a portfolio of flu vaccines for people of all ages – from children as young as six months to adults 65 years old and older.

Seqirus said this cell-based vaccine is approved for children as young as six months old. Children are still developing their immune systems at that age.

The vaccine is called "flucelvax quadrivalent."

According to the FDA, these types of vaccines are designed to protect against four different types of flu viruses, including influenza A and B viruses.

The CDC says children younger than five are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, like sinus infections and pneumonia.

The hope from Seqirus is to protect as many eligible and vulnerable people as possible.

One pediatrician said there are already flu vaccines for children as young as six months so although this one isn't new, it's another weapon against the flu.

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