What role will vaccines play
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimise suffering and death due to seasonal influenza. 9 In fact, vaccination is universally regarded as the most important medical intervention for preventing seasonal influenza and reducing its health consequences.
Flu Vaccines
Flu vaccination is recommended for people who are at high risk for complications if they contract flu. It is also recommended for people aged 50 to 64, since one third of individuals in this age range have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications of flu. Flu vaccination is also recommended for those who will be in close contact with others at high risk for complications of flu.
A flu vaccination is not recommended for the following:
- people younger than six months old
- individuals with severe allergies to chicken eggs
- those who have had a severe reaction to flu vaccine in the past
- or anyone who has ever developed Guillain-Barré syndrome
Vaccines in a Pandemic
In a pandemic, it could take several months to develop an effective vaccine. Presently, there is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against potential pandemic strains. However, research studies to test potential vaccines to protect humans against pandemic flu are under way.30
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