In the August 17, 2012 MMWR the ACIP published the current seasons recommendations for the control of influenza (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6132a3.htm?s_cid=mm6132a3_w#fig1). The strains contained in the vaccines have changed this year to A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like (same as last year), A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like (different), and B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like (Yamagata lineage) (again different) antigens. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and over. Children under 9 (6 months to 8 years) who did not receive 2 or more flu vaccines since July 1, 2010 need two doses this season. Quadravalent flu vaccine (two A strains and two B strains) from Medimmune for Flumist has been approved by the FDA but is not expected to be available until next season -- stay tuned! |
