Current Influenza Vaccine Options for 2014

Abstract Influenza is a virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States each year. There are multiple vaccine formulations available that can help prevent or decrease the burden of influenza. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that everyone ≥6 months of age receive the influenza vaccine prior to the start of influenza season each year unless contraindicated to help prevent influenza and the spread of infection. The ACIP has developed the best practice guidelines to help assist patients, and providers select the vaccine that will offer the greatest protection against influenza given the patient’s age and co-morbid conditions. When administered early, the influenza vaccine can reduce the risk of influenza by 50–60 %. Researchers continue to investigate ways to improve the influenza vaccine to continue to increase its ability to reduce the risk of influenza and prevent influenza-related complications and deaths.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research