Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in 2011-2012, northern hemisphere

In February, 2011, WHO has recommended viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines for the influenza season [2011-2012] in the northern hemisphere. These recommendations are based on the annual antigenic and genetic analyses of circulating influenza viruses shared with WHO through the Global Influenza Surveillance Network [GISN]

Safety and Immunogenicity of a New Trivalent Inactivated Split-virus Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Korean Children: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Active-controlled, Phase III Study

We report results of a randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase III study conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a new trivalent inactivated split-virus influenza vaccine (GC501) manufactured by the Green Cross Corporation in Korea. A total of 283 healthy children aged 6 months to < 18 yr were randomized to receive either GC501 or control. Of the GC501 recipients, seroconversion occurred in 48.5% for A/H1N1, 67.7% for A/H3N2 and 52% for influenza B. The proportion of subjects who had post-vaccination hemagglutination-inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater was 90.7% for A/H1N1, 86.8% for A/H3N2 and 82.4% for influenza B in the GC501 recipients. No serious adverse events related to vaccination, or withdrawals because of adverse events were reported. The majority of solicited adverse events were mild in intensity. GC501 vaccine has good tolerability and favorable immunogenicity in children aged 6 months to < 18 yr. The addition of one more brand of influenza vaccine may allow for better global accessibility of vaccine for epidemics or future pandemics.

Recommended viruses for influenza vaccines for use in 2010-2011, northern hemisphere

In February, 2010, WHO has recommended viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines for the influenza season [2010-2011] in the northern hemisphere. These recommendations are based on the annual antigenic and genetic analyses of circulating influenza viruses shared with WHO through the Global Influenza Surveillance Network [GISN]

EMRO NICs participate in composition of influenza virus vaccines, 2008-2009

During the last three years [2005-2007], National Influenza Centre [NIC], Egypt isolated a total of 109 influenza viruses out of 3,979 specimens collected [a positivity rate of 2.7 %]. The predominant influenza virus strain was Flu B [N=95, 87.2%]. Influenza A [H3N2] constitued 11% [12 isolates] and influenza A [H1N1] constituted 1.8% [2 isolates only]. The NIC, Morocco, isolated influenza viruses in 98 [8.8%] out of 1,120 specimens tested. Isolated viruses included 64 [65.3%] isolates of influenza A [H3N2], 27 [27.6%] of A [H1N1] and 7 [7.1%] of Flu B. The NIC, Oman isolated 11 influenza viruses out of 195 specimens [5.6% positivity rate]: 7 [63.6%] were influenza B and 4 [36.4%] were influenza A [H3N2]

Effectiveness of influenza vaccination in prevention of influenza-like illness among inhabitants of old folk homes.

The aims of the study were to determine the attack rate of influenza-like illness among inhabitants of five old folk homes nationwide using influenza vaccine as a probe and the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in prevention of influenza-like illness. We conducted a nonrandomized, single-blind placebo control study from June 2003 to February 2004. VAXIGRIP(R) 2003 Southern hemisphere formulation was used. Among 527 subjects, the attack rates of influenza-like illness in the influenza vaccine group were 6.4, 4.6 and 2.4% during the first, second and third 2-month periods, respectively. The attack rates of influenza-like illness in the placebo group were 17.7, 13.8 and 10.1%. Influenza vaccination reduced the risk of contracting influenza-like illness by between 14, and 45%. The vaccine effectiveness in reducing the occurrence of influenza-like illness ranged from 55 to 76%, during the 6-month study followup. The presence of cerebrovascular diseases significantly increased the risk of influenza-like illness (p < 0.005). Vaccine recipients had fewer episodes of fever, cough, muscle aches, runny nose (p < 0.001) and experience fewer sick days due to respiratory illness. Subjects who received influenza vaccination had clinically and statistically significant reductions in the attack rate of influenza-like illness. Our data support influenza vaccination of persons with chronic diseases and >50 year olds living in institutions.