2737. Comparison of Antibody Responses to Vaccination with a Pure Hemagglutinin Influenza Vaccine (rHA) and Licensed Subvirion Influenza Vaccine Made in Eggs or Cell Culture in Adults 60 Years and Older

Abstract

Abstract Background Influenza is associated with increased mortality and morbidity for older adults. High-dose egg grown trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone HD) is safe and provides superior immune responses in older adults compared with standard dose (SD). Recently, two new vaccines have been licensed in the United States: cell cultured inactivated vaccine FluCelVax and baculovirus-expressed pure hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine FluBlok. Data from one study demonstrated higher efficacy with FluBlok than SD Fluzone in older adults. There is no data however comparing HD Fluzone to FluBlok and FluCelVax has not been studied at all. The purpose of this study was to assess hemagglutinin inhibition (HAI) antibody responses to vaccination with three vaccines in adults ≥ 60 years. Methods Adults ≥ 60 years were randomly assigned to receive one of the three vaccines: Fluzone HD, FluBlok and FluCelVax (Figure 1). Active influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance was conducted with bi-weekly telephone calls. Serum samples were collected prior to vaccination and at day 7, 14, 28 and 180 and antibody responses assessed by HAI titer to A/Singapore/INFIMH-16–0019(H3N2), A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) and B/Colorado/6/2017 (Victoria) viruses as well as a circulating H3N2 strain. The primary endpoint was a 4-fold rise in antibody titer at day 28. Results 48 subjects were vaccinated in October 2018. Mean age was 69 and 65% were female. Two subjects reported ILI symptoms and one was positive for infection (H1N1). A majority of subjects demonstrated pre-existing antibody to all three viruses (Figure 2, Blue). Geometric mean titers (GMT) for antibody responses to the influenza A viruses were similar for FluBlok (FB) and HD Fluzone (FZ) but lower for FluCelVax(FCB) subjects (Figure 2, Orange). A higher percent of FlubBlok subjects demonstrated 4-fold rise in antibody responses to the Victoria influenza B virus (FB GMT 140 vs. FZ GMT 116, P = 0.26). Conclusion In this small study, antibody responses were similar or higher in older adults after vaccination with FluBlok compared with Fluzone HD with lower responses demonstrated with FluCelvax. Emerging concerns about HA egg adaptation during vaccine development compels further study to determine the appropriate vaccination strategy for this vulnerable population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.