Just after National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM; see “From the Media” article) and back to school, comes influenza immunization season. Indeed, some companies are already shipping influenza vaccine for the 2015-16 season. Since each influenza season is a bit different, you might be wondering what you need to know this year.

Vaccines

Influenza vaccines for the 2015-2016 season will include the following strains:

  • A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
  • A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus
  • B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (B/Yamagata lineage) virus
  • Quadrivalent versions will also include B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus

Influenza vaccine products will include a variety of options:

  • Trivalent and quadrivalent intramuscular (IM) vaccines
  • High-dose trivalent IM
  • Jet injector trivalent vaccine for 18-64 year olds (AFLURIA®)
  • Nasal spray quadrivalent vaccine for 2-49 year olds (FLUMIST®)
  • Intradermal quadrivalent vaccine for 18-64 year olds (Fluzone®)

Vaccine information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) related to influenza:

The CDC also has an extensive Q&A page related to the 2015-2016 season.

The VEC is not updating the “Influenza: What You Should Know” Q&A so you can continue using the Volume 11, Fall 2014 versions:

In retrospect, 2014-2015

Reviews of data from last year’s influenza season determined the following:

  • Disease peaked in December, but cases occurred as early as September and as late as May.
  • Influenza A was the predominant strain, but it was not well-matched in the vaccine due to antigenic drift that occurred before the vaccine was released.
  • Influenza B strains increased in prevalence later in the season.
  • Circulating strains of influenza A were more resistant to adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine).
  • The season was moderately severe with 61 percent of hospitalizations occurring in adults 65 years of age and older.
  • One hundred forty-one children died of laboratory-confirmed influenza.

To review the entire report, access the June 5, 2015 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.