Two separate influenza vaccines will be available this season: the usual seasonal trivalent vaccine and a monovalent vaccine (not yet licensed by the FDA) directed at the novel H1N1 virus currently causing pandemic infection.1 The next issue of the Medical Letter will review the pandemic H1N1 vaccine.

SEASONAL VACCINE FOR 2009-2010 — The usual seasonal influenza vaccine is available in inactivated and live attenuated formulations. Both include the same influenza A antigens as 2008-2009, A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like and A/Brisbane/10/2007 H3N2-like, and a new influenza B antigen, B/Brisbane/60/2008. This vaccine is not expected to offer any protection against the pandemic strain.2

WHO SHOULD BE VACCINATED — Vaccination against seasonal influenza is most important for persons at high risk of influenza complications, including children ... more      

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