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I am afraid the answer below is wrong, as researchers have managed to make one to the core proteins that don't change between strains. I was just wondering why it hadn't been done earlier. (quote of Wrong answer) There is no universal flu vaccine. It must be reformulated each year to try to match the flu strains though likely to be most important in the coming flu season. (end quote of wrong answer)
The fact that a universal flu has not been made earlier (though as of October 2008 is not commercially available) likely has to do with funding issues, changing technologies and the requirement for studies and clinical trials.
Since Type A flu mutates more readily than Type B, the research is aimed at finding and utilizing aspects flu viruses that do not readily mutate. So the mechanisms that would make it work are not the normal killed-virus vaccine. They must go through a process of studies and clinical trials before they will be approved by FDA. Fear of the Avian flu has spurred the research.
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What else can I help you with?
Vaccines against the flu are different every year why is this?
The flu virus constantly mutates, leading to new strains every year. Vaccine manufacturers update the vaccine annually to include the most prevalent strains, providing the best protection. This process helps ensure that the vaccine is effective against the specific flu viruses circulating each year.
Is there a vaccine for viral pneumonia?
There is no specific vaccine for viral pneumonia, but vaccines such as the influenza (flu) vaccine and the measles vaccine can help prevent some of the viral infections that can lead to pneumonia. It is important to practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of pneumonia.
Are the microbes that are injected in a vaccination dead or alive?
They can be either. Some vaccines are made with dead viruses or particles of viruses and other vaccines are made with attenuated (weakened) viruses that are not able to make an otherwise healthy person sick. In 2009 the swine flu vaccine approved for use in the US was prepared both ways, the nasal flu vaccine was made from attenuated viruses and the shots were made with dead viruses.
Are you immune to Influenza after you have had it?
You are not immune to Influenza. Even getting the yearly flu vaccine is no guarantee that a person won't get the flu. You can get the flu but it won't be as bad as it could be if you hadn't received the flu vaccine.
Why do you not become immune to flu?
There are many strains of flu virus, & they are constantly mutating; you can only become immune to strains of flu that your body has already encountered, or that you have been immunized against.
What does the H1N1 vaccine cover?
Originally in 2009 the vaccine for the pandemic swine flu was a monovalent vaccine, which means it was made to only prevent that one type of flu. Then for the 2010-2011 flu season, a trivalent vaccine was made for the regular flu just like every year. Trivalent means it is made to cover/prevent three different kinds of influenza virus infections. For the most recent flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the "regular" flu shot contained the vaccine for swine flu and two others. So, the monovalent H1N1 vaccine covered only one type of flu: the pandemic swine flu. But the trivalent seasonal flu vaccines cover three types of flu (one of which, for the 2010 - 2011 flu season, is Swine flu H1N1/09).
How long to wait between flu vaccine and shingles vaccine?
interval- flu vaccine and the shingles vaccine
Can flu vaccine be given at the same time as the varicella vaccine?
Yes, you can get flu vaccine and varicella vaccine at the same time.
Avian flu vaccine?
Q-pan is the approved vaccine for Avian Flu or H5N1.
When was the H1N1 shot made?
There have been several versions of H1N1 influenza over the years. But the most recent H1N1 flu was the pandemic "Swine Flu" A-H1N1/09. The monovalent (made with and for protection against a single virus) vaccine for it was made just before the flu season in fall/winter 2009-2010. Again, in the 2010-2011 flu season the same vaccine was included in the trivalent (made with three viruses) vaccine for the seasonal flu. If you had the monovalent vaccine in 2009, then you should still take the trivalent vaccine for the 2010 flu season. It will not hurt to get another dose of the H1N1/09 virus vaccine, it might enhance the immunity of some people, and you need to be vaccinated for the other two viruses that are most likely to be going around in this season.
Are the ingredients in the flu vaccine harmful to our health?
No, the ingredients in the flu vaccine are not harmful to our health. The vaccine is carefully tested and regulated to ensure its safety and effectiveness in preventing the flu.
When can you stop flu shots?
The flu vaccine is recommended for children and the elderly but nobody is forced to get it. Whether or not to get a flu vaccine is a personal choice.
Why does the flu vaccine developed each year not always work?
The flu vaccine is not a new vaccine that is developed from scratch every year. The flu virus mutates rapidly into different strains, meaning that a vaccination from a previous year will not protect you for another year's strain. The vaccine is modified to take account of this - it is not developed from scratch every time.
If flu vaccine is left out of refrigerator how long is it good for?
how long is flu vaccine good for if left out of the refrigerator
Can you give flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine together?
no
Are blood products or fractions in the universal influenza vaccine?
There is not a universal influenza vaccine approved or marketed in the US yet, but scientists are working on one and getting close. It is highly unlikely that there will be human blood products or traces of them in a universal vaccine, just like there are none in the current flu vaccines. Currently there can be traces of egg/chicken protein that may have come from chicken blood components in flu vaccines, since the flu virus is cultivated in chicken eggs before ready for inclusion in the vaccines. The amount is negligible, and even some people with allergy to eggs can go ahead and get the vaccine due to the tiny traces it contains (with some precautions. See the related question below for more on that.)
Is the flu vaccine effective against all types of flu?
No. These viruses mutate rapidly and you can not get one vaccine for all of the subtypes.
