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Title:

The Influenza Vaccine Menu

Authors:

Amesh A. Adalja

Date posted:

December 23, 2013

Publication type:

Article

Publication:

Biosecur Bioterror 2013;11(4):235-236

Publisher:

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

DOI:

10.1089/bsp.2013.1106

Availability:

Open access

See also:

Full article available on publisher's site: HTML • PDF

Introduction:

During past influenza seasons, the principal quandary individuals faced was whether or not to get a flu vaccination. However, this flu season we have the additional decision of choosing among several different vaccine options. The fact that these options exist is a testament to the investments made to improve flu vaccine in the face of looming pandemics.

To better respond to influenza pandemics, vaccines have been sought that offer broader protection, can be delivered in novel ways, have greater immunogenicity, are antigen sparing (that is, contain less of the active ingredient), do not require eggs for manufacture, and harness recombinant technology. This year, for the first time, each of these advances is represented in one or more of the vaccine options.