What Kind of Flu Vaccine Works Best?

To find out which kind of flu vaccine offers greater protection—synthetically created (known as recombinant) vs. the standard egg-based inactivated—Westat is launching a clinical trial with 14,000+ adults during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 flu seasons. Earlier trials suggest that some recombinant vaccines may provide better protection, reducing lost productivity and severe illness. “Large-scale trials such as this one are needed to confirm these findings,” notes Sarah Ball, Sc.D., a Westat Vice President for Public Health and Epidemiology and the project director for the study. “Results may impact vaccine policy and practices that will benefit health outcomes for all.”

The trial, knows as the Randomized Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Network (RAIVEN), is a joint effort between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Westat, and multiple partner sites across the U.S.