Title: WHO Recommends Updated Influenza Vaccines for 2024-25 Flu Season
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its recommendations for the influenza viruses to be targeted in vaccines for the upcoming year. In the light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, some changes have been made to the composition of the recommended vaccines.
One significant update is the removal of the influenza B/Yamagata lineage from the recommended vaccines. This decision stems from the fact that no instances of this strain have been detected since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Experts believe that the decreased flu infections resulting from Covid-19 protective measures, such as masking and handwashing, have contributed to the absence of this strain.
For the 2024 Southern Hemisphere flu season, experts advising the WHO have recommended trivalent vaccines. These vaccines will target three types of flu, including two influenza A strains and an influenza B/Victoria strain. However, quadrivalent vaccines, which target four types of flu, can still include a B/Yamagata lineage component if necessary.
WHO’s advisers argue that since no B/Yamagata infections have been identified in years, there is no use in including it in vaccines. They emphasize that flu vaccines are regularly updated due to the continuous evolution of the virus.
While final decisions on vaccine components are made by individual countries, they typically align with WHO’s recommendations. It’s worth noting that the recommendations for the Southern Hemisphere are usually issued in September.
The WHO report also points out a theoretical risk of reintroducing B/Yamagata viruses into the population if used to manufacture vaccines. Despite this concern, the current flu vaccines being administered in the United States are quadrivalent, including a Yamagata lineage.
WHO advisers stress that regardless of the formulation, flu vaccines remain safe and effective. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is contemplating a shift to trivalent vaccines for future seasons. This change requires time for licensing and manufacturing shifts.
The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to discuss recommendations for flu vaccines on October 5. Their decision will have a significant impact on the future formulation of flu vaccines in the United States.
In conclusion, the WHO’s updated recommendations for the upcoming flu season emphasize the removal of the influenza B/Yamagata lineage due to its absence in recent years. This decision considers the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, decreased flu infections, and the need for continuous updates to combat evolving viruses. As the FDA reviews these recommendations on October 5, the world awaits potential changes in the composition of future flu vaccines.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”