Flu vaccines in the US are undergoing a major shift as they will now only contain three strains instead of four, with the Yamagata strains from B strains being excluded. This change comes after a panel of experts advising the US Food and Drug Administration on vaccines recommended the removal of the Yamagata strains.
The decision to drop the Yamagata strains was influenced by the decline of these viruses before the pandemic as well as the impact of Covid-19 precautions. Manufacturers are now working to have the Yamagata strain eliminated from flu vaccines by the 2024-25 flu season, a faster timeline than expected.
Removing the Yamagata strain from flu vaccines will not only free up production capacity but also potentially increase the number of flu vaccine doses made globally. Some experts are suggesting the consideration of new vaccine formulas with different strains to improve vaccine effectiveness. However, any changes would require testing and regulatory approval.
Scientists will continue testing flu viruses to ensure that the Yamagata strains have been successfully eliminated from circulating strains. This shift in flu vaccines marks a significant change in the fight against flu, potentially leading to more effective vaccines in the future. Stay tuned to ‘Poh Diaries’ for more updates on this developing story.
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