Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is recommended for everyone ≥6 months old without a contraindication. Vaccination of all eligible persons can reduce the prevalence of influenza illness and symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. Available vaccines and recommendations for specific patient populations for the 2020-2021 season are listed in Tables 2 and 3. Lower rates of influenza illness have been observed this season in the Southern Hemisphere, probably because of masking, social distancing, school closures, and travel restrictions.

Routine annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is recommended for everyone ≥6 months old without a specific contraindication.

Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is recommended for everyone ≥6 months old without a specific contraindication.

Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is recommended for everyone ≥6 months old without a specific contraindication.

Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses has been shown to decrease influenza illness and its complications.

Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses has been shown to decrease influenza illness and its complications. Several new vaccines are available for the current season.

Annual vaccination against influenza A and B viruses is the most effective method of preventing influenza. An upcoming issue of The Medical Letter will review drugs for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of influenza.

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. The next issue of the Medical Letter will review the pandemic H1N1 vaccine.

Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing infection and has been shown to reduce influenza complications. Changes this year include a vaccine with three new influenza antigens and expanded age criteria to include all children 6 months to 18 years of age. An upcoming issue of The Medical Letter will review drugs for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.

Annual immunization against influenza A and B is the most effective method of preventing infection and has been shown to reduce associated complications. A future issue of The Medical Letter will review drug prophylaxis and treatment of influenza.

Last year influenza season began in October, peaked in December (both much earlier than usual), and was associated with severe disease, particularly in children. Much of the illness was due to a circulating influenza A H3N2 strain (Fujian type) that had drifted antigenically from the H3N2 strain in the vaccine. The vaccine for the 2004-05 influenza season includes A/Wyoming/3/2003 (H3N2), which is antigenically equivalent to the Fujian strain, A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), which is unchanged, and a new B strain, either B/Jiangsu/10/2003 or B/Jilin/20/2003, which are both antigenically equivalent to B/Shanghai/361/2002.

Unlike the last few years there is no early-season shortage of influenza vaccine. Immunization programs for all recommended individuals can proceed. There are 2 new influenza vaccine formulations available this year, FluMist, an intranasal vaccine and Fluzone, a pediatric formulation. Timing, indications, adverse effects, dosage and cost of the vaccines is discussed. The drugs that can be used for prophylaxis of influenza are also reviewed.