Seasonal flu vaccines are targeted for strains of the influenza virus that public health officials believe will be most prevalent in the upcoming season. While the vaccine primes the immune system to protect against those specific strains, what does it mean for other future strains of the virus. Researchers present findings from a study showing ferrets who received the 2008-2009 seasonal vaccine experienced a more severe disease when exposed to the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus than ferrets who did not receive the vaccine.
- Danuta Skowronski, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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