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2008-2009 Influenza update: a better vaccine match
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Section of Transplant Infectious Diseases, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA. mossads@ccf.org
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
|December 18, 2008
Summary
The 2008-2009 influenza vaccine contains new antigens. Surveillance data suggest this new flu vaccine will provide good protection against circulating strains in the Northern Hemisphere.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- The previous influenza season's vaccine had poor strain matching, resulting in only 40% protective efficacy.
- Influenza virus continually evolves, necessitating annual vaccine updates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expected effectiveness of the 2008-2009 influenza vaccine.
- To assess the match between the new vaccine antigens and circulating influenza strains.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of surveillance data from the Southern Hemisphere during their summer (2008).
- Comparison of vaccine antigen composition with identified circulating influenza strains.
Main Results:
- All three antigens in the 2008-2009 vaccine are novel.
- Southern Hemisphere surveillance indicates a good expected match for Northern Hemisphere circulating strains.
Conclusions:
- The 2008-2009 influenza vaccine is anticipated to offer improved protection compared to the previous season.
- Public health officials can be optimistic about the upcoming influenza season's vaccine effectiveness.
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