Since last year’s H1N1 pandemic, the FDA has tried to stay on top of this year’s vaccines to avoid a second such debacle. This week came the announcement from the FDA that it had approved vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season in the United States.
This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, which caused the 2009 pandemic. Last year because the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged after production began on the seasonal vaccine, two separate vaccines were needed to protect against seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus. But this year, only one vaccine is necessary. Vaccines for the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza contain the following strains:
- A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus)
- A/Perth /16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus
Annual seasonal flu vaccinations should begin to be administered in September, or as soon as it is available, and continue throughout the flu season into December, January, and beyond. This time frame is flexible because the duration and timing of flu season varies from year to year. While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, generally the peak of flu activity is in January or later.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications and about 36,000 deaths. “The best way to protect yourself and your family against influenza is to get vaccinated every year,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., acting director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
There is always a possibility of a less than optimal match between the virus strains predicted to circulate and those that end up causing the most illness. However, even if the vaccine and the circulating strains are not an exact match, the vaccine may reduce the severity of the illness or may help prevent influenza-related complications.
Seasonal influenza vaccines have a long and successful track record of safety and effectiveness in the United States and are recommended for children over the age of 6 months and most adults. Children who are 6 months to 8 years of age who receive a flu vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses.
Vaccines will be available late this summer. Consult your doctor about the type of vaccine that is best for you and if there are any complications that would prevent receiving a dose.
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