2016 Seasonal Flu Vaccines explained
In the past years the seasonal flu vaccine (trivalent) has been designed to protect against three different flu viruses and included 2 x influenza A type viruses and 1 x B virus. Experts had to choose one B virus, even though there are two very different lineages of B viruses that circulate during most flu seasons.
Advancement in technology now makes it possible for the flu vaccine to contain 4 strains of influenza in the seasonal flu vaccine. The new Quadrivalent (4 strain) adds another B virus to the flu vaccine to give broader protection against circulating flu viruses.
In 2016 there will be 2 seasonal flu vaccines available
The Trivalent (3 strain)
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus; *CHANGE from 2015
- a B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria Lineage) -like virus. *CHANGE from 2015
The Quadrivalent (4 Strain) NEW
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus; *CHANGE from 2015
- a B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria Lineage) -like virus.
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus
The Australian Federal Government has stated it will upgrade the Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) to include the new 4 strain influenza vaccine for 2016 – up from three strains in 2015. The National Immunisation Program provides GP’s with free flu vaccines to administer to vulnerable people including people aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions
Harbour Healthcare is committed to providing the best options for our clients and we are proud to announce that we will be offering the new Quadrivalent flu vaccine to all our clients in 2016.
Your quotes for immunisation services in 2016 will include both the Quadrivalent and the older Trivalent (3 strain) vaccines as a secondary option should you feel you would rather use the Trivalent flu vaccine.
Please contact us directly for any further information and to arrange your quote for 2016.
