Influenza Vaccines

Nov 4, 2011

(CIDRAP News) – For many years, public health personnel have cited the estimate of 70% to 90% when talking about the level of protection afforded by seasonal influenza vaccines. But last week's meta-analysis of flu vaccine studies in The Lancet Infectious Diseases—along with several other studies in recent years—has raised the question of whether it's time to change the message about flu vaccines.

(CIDRAP News) – Companies that market influenza vaccines in the United States are reacting cautiously to last week's meta-analysis that highlighted gaps in the evidence for the efficacy of the vaccines, with officials stressing that vaccines are still the best preventive tool and that the firms are working to improve them.

Oct 26, 2011

(CIDRAP News) – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said today that people who were immunized against flu with jet injectors, an off-label practice some pharmacies and health departments have recently used, don't need to be revaccinated with a standard needle and syringe.

Editor’s Note: This article covers research conducted in part by CIDRAP researchers. Please note that CIDRAP News operates independently in relation to CIDRAP's research and policy programs.

See also: Strict meta-analysis raises questions about flu vaccine efficacy

Editor’s Note: This article covers research conducted in part by CIDRAP researchers. Please note that CIDRAP News operates independently in relation to CIDRAP's research and policy programs.

See also: Public health groups say flu vaccine is best tool, despite limitations

(CIDRAP News) – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently advised health providers not to use needle-free injector devices to administer influenza vaccines, because so far no flu vaccines have been approved for administration using such devices.

Oct 24, 2011

Oct 21, 2011