New data on flu vaccination

New data on flu vaccination

I. Epidemiology of influenza: constantly changing landscape

Seasonal flu remains a serious healthcare problem around the world. The influenza virus is characterized by high variability, which leads to annual epidemics and pandemias, which have a significant impact on incidence, mortality and economic productivity. Understanding the epidemiology of influenza, including circulating strains, transmission models and susceptibility, is crucial for the development of effective prevention strategies, in particular vaccination.

IA circulating flu strains and their evolution

The influenza viruses are divided into three main types: a, b and C. Types A and B cause seasonal flu epidemics in people, and type A is responsible for the pandemic. The viruses of the type of type A are further divided into subtypes based on two surface proteins: hemagglutinin (h) and neuraminidase (N). There are many subtypes H and N, but only a few of them regularly circulate in people. The most common flu virus subtypes A, circulating in recent years, include A (H1N1) and A (H3N2).

The influenza viruses are constantly changing through two main mechanisms: antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Antigenic drift is a gradual accumulation of small genetic mutations in genes H and N. These mutations can lead to changes in the structure of surface proteins, allowing the virus to enjoy the immune response caused by the previous infection or vaccination. Antigenic shift is a sharp change in the influenza A virus, when a new subtype occurs in a person. This happens when the influenza A virus receives genes from the influenza virus, usually circulating in animals, such as birds or pigs. Antigenic shift can lead to pandemias, since the population has a small or has no immunity to a new subtype at all.

IB transmission models and risk factors

The influenza viruses are transmitted primarily by airborne droplets, when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. The virus can also spread when touched to contaminated surfaces, and then to the face. The risk of infection with influenza depends on several factors, including:

• Age: Children and elderly people are more susceptible to influenza infection and the development of complications.
• Related diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, are at risk of serious complications from influenza.
• Immune status: People with a weakened immune system, for example, people with HIV/AIDS or people who receive immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of influenza and the development of complications.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia and premature birth.
• Profession: Medical workers, teachers and other persons who often come in contact with a large number of people are at risk of infection with influenza.

IC flu severity and complications

Most people with influenza experience a mild disease, which goes by itself within a week or two. However, influenza can lead to serious complications, especially in people with high risk. Influenzes of influenza may include:

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is the most common environmental complication and can be caused by both the influenza virus and a bacterial infection.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis is inflammation of the respiratory tract in the lungs.
• Sinusit: Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.
• Ear infections: Ear infections are more common in children.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases: Influenza can aggravate existing chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
• Hospitalization: In severe cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization.
• Death: The flu can be fatal, especially for people with high risk.

II. Influenza vaccination: basics and types

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against flu strains, which are expected to circulate in the upcoming season.

II.A. The mechanism of action of vaccines against influenza

Influenza vaccines work, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies to influenza viruses. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and neutralize viruses. When a person who has received a flu vaccine is subsequently exposed to influenza viruses, to which the vaccine was directed, antibodies help prevent infection or reduce the severity of the disease.

II.B. Types of flu vaccines

There are several types of flu vaccines available on the market. These include:

• Inactivated flu vaccines (IIV): IIV contain killed influenza viruses. This is the most common type of flu vaccine, and it is introduced in the form of an injection. IIV are approved for use in people aged 6 months and older.
• Recombinant flu vaccines (RIV): RIV is produced using recombinant technology. They do not contain influenza viruses and are safe for people with allergies to eggs. RIV is introduced in the form of injection and approved for use in people aged 18 years and older.
• Live Athenoated flu vaccine (LAIV): Laiv contains weakened influenza viruses. Introduced in the form of a nasal spray. LAIV is approved for use in healthy non -pregnant people aged 2 to 49 years. Laiv is not recommended for people with certain diseases or for people receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
• Adjuvant flu vaccines: These vaccines contain adjuvant, a substance that enhances the immune response to the vaccine. They are especially important for the elderly, whose immune response can be weakened.

II.C. The process of development and production of vaccines

Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors the circulating strains of influenza around the world and recommends strains that should be included in the flu vaccines for the coming season. Vaccines manufacturers use these recommendations for the development and production of flu vaccines. The process of production of vaccines against influenza can occupy several months, so vaccines are available only at the beginning of each season of influenza.

III. New data on the effectiveness of flu vaccines

The effectiveness of influenza vaccines can vary from season to season and depends on several factors, including the correspondence between the strains included in the vaccine, and the strains circulating in the population, on the age and state of health of the vaccinated person.

III.A. General indicators of vaccines efficiency

In general, flu vaccines are effective for preventing influenza in about 40-60% of cases. This means that people who have received a flu vaccine are less likely to get the flu than people who have not received a vaccine. However, it is important to note that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective. Some people who have received a vaccine can still get the flu, but they, as a rule, are easier for the disease and they need hospitalization less often.

III.B. Factors affecting the effectiveness of vaccines

Several factors can affect the effectiveness of influenza vaccines. These include:

• Correspondence of strains: The effectiveness of flu vaccines is higher, when the strains included in the vaccine are well corresponded to the strains circulating in the population. If there is a discrepancy between the strains included in the vaccine and circulating strains, the vaccine can be less effective.
• Age: Influenza vaccines, as a rule, are less effective in older people. This is due to the fact that the immune system of older people does not react so well to vaccines as the immune system of young people.
• Health status: People with certain diseases, such as chronic diseases and weakened immunity, can be less susceptible to influenza vaccines.
• Preliminary vaccination: Recent studies show that repeated flu vaccination can affect the effectiveness of the vaccine in subsequent years. This effect requires further study.
• Vaccine type: Various types of flu vaccines can have different effectiveness. For example, some studies have shown that recombinant flu vaccines can be more effective than inactivated flu vaccines, especially in the elderly.

III.C. Data on vaccines effectiveness in specific population groups

• Children: Influenza vaccines are effective for preventing influenza in children. Studies have shown that flu vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza in children by 60%.
• Elderly people: Influenza vaccines can be less effective in older people, but they are still important for this group of population. The flu vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from influenza in the elderly.
• Pregnant women: The flu vaccination is recommended for pregnant women. The vaccination against influenza can protect the pregnant woman and her child from the flu.
• Medical workers: The flu vaccination is recommended for medical workers. Influenza vaccination can protect medical workers from influenza and prevent the spread of influenza among patients.

III.D. New research and meta analysis

In recent years, several new studies and meta-analyzes have been conducted on the effectiveness of influenza vaccines. These studies provided additional information about the effectiveness of flu vaccines in various population groups and under various circumstances. For example, some studies have shown that high -like influenza vaccines can be more effective than the standard doses of influenza vaccines, in the elderly. Other studies have shown that flu vaccination can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease.

IV. Safety vaccines against influenza

Influenza vaccines are usually safe. The most common side effects of influenza vaccines are light reactions, such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Some people can also develop light fever, chills, headache or muscle pain. These reactions usually last only one or two days.

IV.A. The most common side effects

The most common side effects of flu vaccines include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle pain

IV.B. Rare but serious side effects

Rare, but serious side effects from flu vaccines include:

• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to influenza vaccines are rare, but they can be serious. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include urticaria, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing and dizziness. People with allergies to eggs should consult their doctor before getting a flu vaccine.
• Gulndrom Ginenna-Barrone (SGO): SGB ​​is a rare neurological disorder that can cause weakness and paralysis. Some studies have shown that there is a small connection between vaccination against influenza and SSB. However, the risk of developing SGB after vaccination against influenza is very low.

IV.C. Vaccines safety research

Influenza vaccines are carefully checked for safety before they are approved for use. The centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC) and the sanitary supervision of the quality of food and medicines (FDA) are constant monitoring the safety of vaccines.

V. Recommendations for flu vaccination

CDC is recommended for everyone at the age of 6 months and older annually to be vaccinated against influenza. The vaccination against influenza is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing influenza complications, such as children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

VA Recommendations CDC and WHO

CDC and WHO are recommended to everyone at the age of 6 months and older annually to be vaccinated against influenza. They also provide specific recommendations for various population groups, such as children, elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

VB advanced recommendations for high -risk groups

People who are at high risk of developing complications from influenza are recommended to be vaccinated against influenza as early as possible at the beginning of the influenza season. These groups include:

• Children aged 6 months to 5 years
• Elderly people aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease
• People with a weakened immune system
• Medical workers
• Persons who care for people at high risk of developing complications from influenza

VC destruction of myths about vaccination

There are several common myths about influenza vaccination. These include:

• The flu vaccine can cause influenza: The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Inactivated flu vaccines contain killed influenza viruses that cannot cause an infection. A living Athenoated flu vaccine contains weakened influenza viruses, which rarely cause a disease.
• The flu vaccine is ineffective: The flu vaccine is effective for preventing influenza in about 40-60% of cases. Although the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it is still the best way to prevent influenza and its complications.
• I do not need a flu vaccine because I never have a flu: Even if you usually do not get the flu, you still have to make a flu vaccine. The flu vaccination can protect you from influenza and prevent the spread of influenza among others.

VI. New vaccination and technology strategies

Researchers are constantly working on the development of new and improved flu vaccines. These include:

VI.A. Universal flu vaccines

A universal flu vaccine is a vaccine that protects against all strains of influenza, including new and arising strains. Universal flu vaccines are still under development, but they have a potential to ensure wider and long -term influenza protection.

Vi.b. MRNC-vaccines against influenza

MRNC -vaccines are a new type of vaccines that teach the body’s cells to produce protein that triggers the immune response. Influenza MRNC-vaccines are under development and have a potential to ensure faster and more effective influenza protection.

VI.C. Adjuvant vaccines to improve the immune response

Adjuvantes are substances that are added to vaccines to enhance the immune response. Adjuvant flu vaccines can be more effective in older people and people with a weakened immune system.

VII. Information campaigns and public health programs

Information campaigns and public health programs play an important role in increasing awareness of flu vaccination and in increasing vaccination.

VII.A. The role of information campaigns in increasing awareness

Information campaigns can help increase the knowledge of flu vaccination, providing accurate information about influenza and flu vaccines. They can also dispel myths and fears about vaccination.

VII.B. Improving access to vaccination

Improving access to vaccination can help increase vaccination. This can be done by offering flu vaccines in various places, such as doctors, pharmacies, schools and jobs.

VII.C. Appeal to different groups of the population

It is important to adapt information campaigns and public health programs to different groups of the population. For example, campaigns aimed at children can use other messages and channels than campaigns aimed at older people.

VIII. Prospects for the future: the following steps in the vaccination against influenza

The future vaccination against influenza looks promising. Researchers are constantly working on the development of new and improved flu vaccines, as well as more effective vaccination strategies.

VIII.A. Research work and innovation

Research work and innovation will play a decisive role in the development of new and improved flu vaccines. This includes the development of universal flu vaccines, MRNC-vaccines against influenza and adjuvant vaccines.

VIII.B. Improving global cooperation

Improving global cooperation is important for monitoring the circulating strains of influenza and to ensure the availability of flu vaccines around the world.

VIII.C. Strengthening confidence in vaccination

Strengthening confidence in vaccination is important for increasing vaccination. This can be done by providing accurate information about vaccines and solving concern about vaccination.

IX. Conclusion: Vaccination against influenza is an important step towards health

The vaccination against influenza remains the cornerstone of the prevention of influenza and its complications. Understanding the latest data on efficiency and safety, as well as following the recommendations of experts and ongoing scientific progression, is necessary to protect yourself and society from this constant threat to health. Continuing research and development of new vaccination strategies is the key to more effective flu protection in the future.