#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

B/Washington/02/2019 – Like Virus (B/Washington/02/2019, Wild Type)

This article discusses clinical trials investigating the use of influenza vaccines containing the B/Washington/02/2019-like virus strain in older adults. These trials aim to evaluate the effectiveness of different vaccine formulations in preventing influenza and related complications in this vulnerable population. The studies compare high-dose and standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines to determine which provides better protection against hospitalization and other outcomes.

Table of Contents

What is B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS?

B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS (B/WASHINGTON/02/2019, WILD TYPE) is a strain of influenza B virus used in flu vaccines. It’s called a “wild type” because it represents a naturally occurring version of the virus, not one that has been modified in a lab. This specific strain was first identified in Washington state in 2019, hence its name.[1]

In simple terms, this virus is one of the “ingredients” in many flu shots. It helps your body recognize and fight off similar flu viruses if you’re exposed to them later.

Role in Influenza Vaccines

The B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS plays a crucial role in what are called quadrivalent influenza vaccines. “Quadrivalent” means the vaccine protects against four different flu viruses. These vaccines typically include:

  • Two influenza A viruses
  • Two influenza B viruses (one of which is the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS)

By including this specific B virus strain, the vaccine aims to provide protection against a type of flu that has been circulating in recent years.[2]

Types of Vaccines Containing This Virus

Several influenza vaccines include the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS. Some examples from the clinical trials data include:

  • Efluelda: A high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine[1]
  • Vaxigrip Tetra: A standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine[1]
  • Influvac Tetra: Another standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine[1]

These vaccines may have different brand names in different countries, but they all contain the same B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS component.

Effectiveness Studies

Researchers are conducting studies to compare the effectiveness of different flu vaccines, including those containing the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS. For example:

  • A study in Denmark is comparing high-dose and standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines in adults 65 years and older. They’re looking at how well these vaccines prevent hospitalizations for flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses.[1]
  • Another study in Spain is evaluating the effectiveness of high-dose versus standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines in adults aged 65 to 79 years. This study is also focusing on preventing hospitalizations related to flu and pneumonia.[3]

These studies aim to determine if vaccines with higher doses of the virus components (including B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS) provide better protection for older adults.

How the Vaccine is Administered

Vaccines containing the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS are typically given as an injection. The clinical trials data shows that:

  • The vaccine is usually administered as a single dose
  • It’s given by intramuscular injection, which means it’s injected into a muscle, usually in the upper arm[1][3]
  • The amount given can vary:
    • Standard-dose vaccines usually contain 15 micrograms of each virus strain
    • High-dose vaccines may contain 60 micrograms of each strain[1]

Safety and Side Effects

Vaccines containing the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS have been approved for use, which means they’ve passed safety tests. However, like all vaccines, they can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects may include:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches

Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. People with severe allergies to any vaccine components (like eggs) should discuss this with their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine.[2]

Who Should Get the Vaccine

Flu vaccines containing the B/WASHINGTON/02/2019 – LIKE VIRUS are generally recommended for most people, especially:

  • Adults 65 years and older, who may benefit from high-dose versions[1][3]
  • People with chronic health conditions that increase their risk of flu complications
  • Pregnant women
  • Children 6 months and older (though some vaccines may have age restrictions)

However, the specific recommendations can vary by country and individual health status. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if and when you should receive a flu vaccine.

Aspect Details
Study Types Pragmatic, randomized controlled trials
Main Objective Evaluate effectiveness of high-dose vs. standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccines
Target Population Adults aged 65 and above, with some trials focusing on 65-79 years
Primary Outcomes Hospitalization for influenza or pneumonia, cardio-respiratory diseases, all-cause hospitalization, mortality
Vaccine Administration Intramuscular injection, single dose
Data Collection Health registries, medical records, minimal additional procedures
Safety Profile Low-intervention studies using approved vaccines

FAQ

  • What is the B/Washington/02/2019-like virus strain? The B/Washington/02/2019-like virus is a specific strain of influenza B virus used in current influenza vaccines. It's included to provide protection against circulating B viruses that are similar to this strain.
  • What is the difference between high-dose and standard-dose influenza vaccines? High-dose vaccines contain four times the amount of antigen (the part that stimulates an immune response) compared to standard-dose vaccines. They are designed to create a stronger immune response in older adults, whose immune systems may have weakened with age.
  • Who are these clinical trials targeting? These trials are primarily focusing on older adults, typically those aged 65 and above. Some trials specifically target adults aged 65-79 years.
  • What are the main outcomes being measured in these trials? The primary outcomes being measured include hospitalization for influenza or pneumonia, hospitalization for any cardio-respiratory disease, all-cause hospitalization, and all-cause mortality.
  • How are the vaccines administered in these trials? The vaccines are administered as an intramuscular injection, typically as a single dose given before the influenza season.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on B/Washington/02/2019 – Like Virus (B/Washington/02/2019, Wild Type)

  • Study on the Effectiveness of High-Dose vs. Standard-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine in Preventing Flu in Adults Aged 65-79 in Galicia, Spain

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

  • Study on the Effect of Influenza Vaccine on Preserving Beta Cell Function in Early Type 1 Diabetes Patients

    Recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

  • Study Comparing High-Dose vs. Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccine for Preventing Flu in Older Adults

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

Glossary

  • Quadrivalent influenza vaccine: A type of flu vaccine that protects against four different flu viruses: two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
  • Antigen: A substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies against it, such as a protein on the surface of a virus.
  • Vaccine effectiveness: A measure of how well a vaccine prevents a specific outcome, such as infection or hospitalization, in real-world conditions.
  • Composite endpoint: A combination of several measurable outcomes used together to assess the effectiveness of a treatment in a clinical trial.
  • Pragmatic trial: A type of clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in real-life routine practice conditions.
  • Intramuscular injection: A technique used to deliver a medication deep into the muscles, allowing the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.
  • HbA1c: A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
  • Time-In-Range: The percentage of time that a person's blood glucose levels are within a target range, typically used in diabetes management.
  • C-peptide: A substance produced along with insulin by the pancreas, used to measure how much insulin a person's body is producing.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2022-500657-17-00
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effect-of-influenza-vaccine-on-preserving-beta-cell-function-in-early-type-1-diabetes-patients/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial-id/2023-506977-36-00