What’s new in 2015 flu vaccine?

INFLUENZA expert Ian Barr says it’s hard to predict seasonal flu levels but past seasons locally and overseas are a good guide.

Last year was a big season in terms of year to year influenza cases in Australia, said Dr Barr, Deputy Director of the Australian World Health Organisation collaborating centre on influenza. And the northern hemisphere had severe winter illness in 2014/15, he said. “Those viruses are still in circulation. They didn’t circulate widely in Australia last year. “Those viruses will certainly find their way down here to Australia in 2015.” There had been 4057 lab-confirmed cases by the end of March, up 219 from the same period in 2014. The government-funded flu vaccine will be available from April 20, a month later than usual. This is because of manufacturing delays due to the time it has taken to develop, test and distribute the update vaccine. Two new strains have been included in the 2015 vaccine: a new A(H3N2) and a new B strain. A(H1N1) is once again included. The most recent flu seasons in North America and Europe were dominated by the A(H3N2) strain, which tends to affect the elderly more than A(H1N1), a descendant of the 2009 swine flu strain. As a result, the US experienced increased hospital admissions of the elderly. Australian Medical Association’s spokesman on general practice Dr Brian Morton says vaccination is still the single most effective way of reducing the chances of getting seriously ill from the flu. “But the majority of the community don’t have the vaccine so it’s likely to be a bad winter, mirroring that which happened in the US and Europe,” he said. Dr Morton said Australians eligible for the free vaccine should “absolutely” get the jab, while for others it’s an individual choice. Flu is generally a mild disease but there can be severe consequences. About 3000 Australians die every year, either directly from the seasonal flu, complications due to the flu, or pneumonia. “What we don’t realise is that influenza can be quite a severe disease in some people,” said Dr Morton. “You can be very unlucky and in fact get quite a severe illness that can lead to a secondary illness and pneumonia. “People do die and it is known for young healthy people to die from the flu.” HOW THE VACCINE WORKS * Vaccine recommended for anyone over six months of age who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu * It contains dead flu cells of the type expected in the coming flu season * Induces the body to make antibodies, which act as a defence against a live virus * Effectiveness about 60 per cent * Vaccine grown in eggs – those with severe egg allergy should avoid VACCINE FREE FOR: * People aged 65 years and over * Pregnant women * Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people * Anyone with a chronic condition.