WHO Recommends Influenza Vaccines for 2024 Southern Hemisphere Flu Season
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced its recommendations for the influenza viruses to be included in vaccines for the upcoming 2024 Southern Hemisphere flu season. One notable exclusion from the recommended vaccines is the family of viruses known as influenza B/Yamagata, which has not been seen since the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the prevalence of the flu virus. Infections plummeted in 2020 due to protective measures implemented against Covid-19. However, unlike other strains, the influenza B/Yamagata viruses did not experience a rebound.
For the 2024 season, trivalent vaccines, which target three types of flu, will include two influenza A strains and an influenza B/Victoria strain. On the other hand, quadrivalent vaccines, which target four types of flu, can still include a B/Yamagata lineage component. However, WHO does not recommend its inclusion due to the absence of reported infections in recent years.
The recommendations made by WHO take into account the continuous evolution of flu viruses. While final decisions on vaccine components are made by individual countries, the WHO’s recommendations serve as a guide for regulators and manufacturers worldwide.
WHO’s advisers also took into consideration the theoretical risk of reintroducing B/Yamagata viruses into the population if used in vaccines. This decision ensures the ongoing safety of the public from potential side effects.
As for the current flu season in the United States, the available flu vaccines are quadrivalent, targeting four types of flu. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective, regardless of the formulation used.
The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to convene on October 5 to discuss recommendations for flu vaccines in the 2024 Southern Hemisphere season. This meeting will provide a platform for experts to share insights and make informed decisions regarding the upcoming flu vaccines.
It is crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources, such as the WHO and FDA, to ensure one’s health and well-being during flu season.
