Summary of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Statement for 2021-2022.

BACKGROUND: Several influenza vaccines are authorized in Canada and the evidence on influenza immunization is continually evolving. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides recommendations regarding the use of seasonal influenza vaccines annually to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). OBJECTIVE: To summarize NACI recommendations regarding the use of seasonal influenza vaccines for 2021-2022 and to highlight new recommendations. METHODS: Annual influenza vaccine recommendations are developed by NACI's Influenza Working Group for consideration and approval by NACI. The development of the recommendations is based on the NACI evidence-based process. RESULTS: The following new recommendations were made: 1) Influvac® Tetra may be considered as an option among the standard dose quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4-SD) offered to adults and children three years of age and older; 2) Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent (IIV4-HD) may be considered an option for individuals 65 years of age and older who are currently recommended to receive Fluzone® High Dose (trivalent); and 3) Flucelvax® Quad may be considered amongst the quadrivalent influenza vaccines offered to adults and children nine years of age and older for annual influenza immunization. Guidance for use of influenza immunizations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is also highlighted. CONCLUSION: NACI continues to recommend that an age-appropriate influenza vaccine should be offered annually to anyone six months of age and older who does not have contraindications to the vaccine. Vaccination should be offered as a priority to people at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization, people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of complications, and others as indicated.

System for administering and monitoring hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for COVID-19 in accordance with a national advisory: preliminary experience of a tertiary care institute in India.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was one of the earliest drugs to be recommended for tackling the COVID-19 threat leading to its widespread usage. We provide preliminary findings of the system, established in a tertiary care academic center for the administration of HCQ prophylaxis to healthcare workers (HCW) based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advisory. METHODS: A dedicated clinical pharmacology and internal medicine team screened for contraindications, administered informed consent, maintained compliance and monitored for adverse events. RESULTS: Among the 194 HCWs screened for ruling out contraindications for prophylaxis, 9 were excluded and 185 were initiated on HCQ. A total of 55 adverse events were seen in 38 (20.5%) HCWs out of which 70.9%, 29.1% were mild and moderate & none were severe. Before the completion of therapy, a total of 23 participants discontinued. Change in QTc interval on day 2 was 5 (IQR: -3.75, 11) ms and the end of week 1 was 15 ms (IQR: 2, 18). Out of the 5 HCW who turned positive for COVID-19, 2 were on HCQ. CONCLUSION: HCQ prophylaxis was found to be safe and well tolerated in HCW when administered after appropriate screening and with monitoring for adverse events.

Canadian Immunization Guide: "Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions following vaccination" chapter update.

BACKGROUND: The Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG) is a comprehensive resource on immunization for health professionals and vaccine program decision-makers. It is developed based on the evidence-based recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). The NACI Vaccine Safety Working Group (VSWG) is comprised of NACI members, liaison members and external experts. The World Allergy Organization now recommends that antihistamines should not be used in the initial treatment of anaphylaxis. The update of the chapter was also used to provide further information and clarity to several tables in the chapter. METHODS: In updating the CIG anaphylaxis guidance, VSWG conducted an environmental scan, a review of relevant literature and consulted international and Canadian experts and professional societies. RESULTS: The use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride as adjunctive treatment in the management of anaphylaxis in a community setting is no longer recommended. Other notable changes made to the chapter include the following: 1) retitled: "Anaphylaxis and other acute reactions following vaccination"; 2) inclusion of new tables: "Key distinguishing features of anaphylaxis and vasovagal syncope" and "Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis"; and 3) updated tables: "Anaphylaxis management kit: recommended items" and "Dosage of intramuscular EPINEPHrine 1:1000 (1 mg/mL) solution, by age or weight". CONCLUSION: The updated CIG chapter provides healthcare providers with further clarity in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis in community settings. The updated intramuscular epinephrine dosage table will aid in optimal epinephrine administration, while the revised guidance against the use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride will prevent its unnecessary stockpiling in preparation for potential mass vaccination clinics related to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.