Seasonal Flu update
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USA: First vaccine doses now delivered
It's official, the 2010 flu vaccination season in the USA has begun. Manufacturers delivered first doses on Friday 30th July, marking the earliest ever start of the vaccination season, in preparation for what is expected to be record vaccine uptake, since this year's vaccine also provides H1N1 protection.
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More progress towards a "universal" flu vaccine
Scientists report significant progress towards the ultimate goal in flu vaccine technology - a single vaccine that could protect all of us against every strain of flu, and that would not need to be updated as strains change each year. Preliminary tests in mice show promising results, but the necessary technology will have to be tested much further before it could be used in humans. Find out more here.
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Study confirms vaccination during pregnancy protects newborn babies
A study of flu vaccination in 340 pregnant women has confirmed that immunity is passed "passively" to the newborn baby, providing protection lasting several weeks. This protection is important because newborn babies are vulnerable to flu infection, but cannot be vaccinated "actively" themselves until they reach the age of six months. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and showed that the immunity of the newborn baby closely mirrored the immunity of the mother, confirming that vaccination of mothers before or during pregnancy is a sensible way of providing newborns with protection from flu viruses.
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Flu Vaccination Advised for All - US Government recommends
The US Government health agency, the Centers for Disease Control, has expanded its recommendations for 2010 seasonal flu vaccination to include the entire US population for the first time. See here for more information.
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Register now for a Reminder!
If you would like us to let you know when this year's seasonal flu vaccine becomes available, simply follow the links to register, or follow us on Twitter. We are always one of the first practices in the UK to receive our stocks of flu vaccine, and we'll let you know as soon as it arrives.
The WHO has confirmed that next season's flu vaccines will all include protection against H1N1 swine flu.
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