Alison McMillan
Hello, I’m Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
The influenza vaccine changes each year.
This is to protect against different strains circulating within the community that year, as this changes from season to season.
Today, I’m going to answer a couple of questions most frequently asked about how the influenza strains are predicted, and how the influenza vaccines are developed.
Text on screen:
Why do they predict influenza strains so early before the flu season?
Alison McMillan:
Influenza strains are predicted ahead of the flu season to make sure the vaccine is effective and safe.
To predict the viruses and to know which should be included in the new vaccines, influenza strains are monitored and analysed throughout the year.
And this research allows for the predictions to be made on which flu strains are most likely to cause illness in the upcoming flu season.
Text on screen:
How do I know that the current vaccine will protect from this year’s strain?]
Alison McMillan:
The flu virus does also change over time, and as it changes, your immune system may not recognise it.
And that’s why we review and update the vaccine composition before each flu season.
The World Health Organisation makes its recommendations for vaccine development, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration tests the vaccines. This is to meet quality and safety requirements.
The vaccines are then made available for distribution and the Therapeutic Goods Administration does continue to monitor the vaccines.
Lots of analysis and testing is done to make sure the vaccine is effective and is safe for that years’ strain.
While influenza is common, it can be serious. The best way to protect against influenza is to get vaccinated each year – free for eligible people under the National Immunisation Program.