Two New Versions of the Flu Vaccine
Arriving Soon
For the first time, there will be a
vaccine which protects against four strains of the flu virus. Until now, flu
vaccines have only protected against three forms of the virus.
Each year, scientists choose what
they believe will be the three most common forms of the flu to spread during
the winter months, and they incorporate them into the annual vaccine. This
year's new vaccine containing four varieties has those three flu forms and an
additional version of the virus.
"The real need for the vaccine
with four flu viruses comes if that additional virus begins to circulate,"
says Clark Kebodeaux, Pharm.D., BCACP, assistant professor of pharmacy practice
at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. "At this early point, it's not certain
what types of flu will cause the most illnesses."
"If parents want to ensure that
their children receive the new style of vaccine, ask for a nasal spray instead
of an injection," Kebodeaux says. "The four strain vaccine is
available by injection as well, but some injections only include the three
strain vaccine. Going forward after this year, we'll know if the additional
protection is necessary."
Adults with egg allergies have a new
option as well. An egg-free version of the vaccine is available, but it is only
for adults ages 18 to 49.
Kebodeaux adds that older adults,
and those with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma, need to receive an
injection as soon as the vaccines arrive. The high-dose version of the vaccine
for older adults protects against three versions of the flu virus.
"I encourage everyone to get
any version of the flu vaccine," Kebodeaux says. "There will be
plenty for everyone."
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by St. Louis
College of Pharmacy, via Newswise.
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St.
Louis College of Pharmacy (2013, September 3). Two new versions of the flu
vaccine arriving soon. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 4, 2013,
from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130903101550.htm
