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Flu Shot: Better Luck Next Year

FDA includes new strains in formula

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2008 4:04 AM CST

(Newser) – Next year's influenza vaccine will be reformulated to include three new flu strains in the hope of developing a more potent vaccine than this year's effort, according to US News & World Report. An FDA panel approved the move, following the lead of the World Health Organization. This year's vaccine failed to combat the disease in most states because many of the infections have been caused by two strains not matched by the current flu shot.

Typically, vaccines include only one or two influenza strains. Some of the flu cases have also proved resistant to antiviral medication. "Clearly, there is influenza going around in a lot of states," said an infectious disease expert. "This is not the most effective vaccine that we've had." Despite the shortcomings, the US Centers for Disease Control still recommends people receive the vaccination because it provides some protection.

A woman gets a flu shot as part of a national vaccination campaign against Influenza in San Jose, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Kent Gilbert) (Associated Press)

A healthcare provider uses an empty sample sprayer to demonstrate how to administer FluMist(R) (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal) to a preschooler. (PRNewsFoto/MedImmune, Inc.) (Associated Press)

A man receives a flu shot as part of a national vaccination campaign against Influenza in San Jose, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Kent Gilbert) (Associated Press)

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FDA includes new strains in formula

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Record 145M Targeted for Flu Shots

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Drug is successfully tested on humans for the first time

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Flu Shots

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • vaccine • World Health Organization • flu shot • influenza • Tamiflu • flu • Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics • Brisbane/10 • H3N2 • H1N1/Brisbane/59 • B/Florida • Food and Drug Administration

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Record 145M Targeted for Flu Shots

CDC pushes vaccine for 86% of Americans

This Year's Flu Vaccine Missing the Mark

Only 40% effective as unexpected virus strains hit the public

Coming Soon: Universal Flu Vaccine

Drug is successfully tested on humans for the first time

Feds Target Kids for Flu Shots

Vaccines for young germ-spreaders may curb effect on broader population

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Newser By Users

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