FDA Approves Combo Flu Vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the vaccines for the upcoming flu season. This year there will be one vaccine that will cover H1N1, a strain of influenza A (Perth), and a strain of influenza B (Brisbane).

The Centers for Disease Control has recently revised recommendations to suggest that everyone over the age of six months receive the vaccine. The CDC does note that there is always a possibility that the vaccine may target the wrong strains of influenza in a given year. They are quick to point out, in the case of incorrect targeting, that the vaccine will still provide some resistance and possibly reduce symptoms for those who contract the virus.

Manufacturers expect to produce around 170 million doses of the vaccine this year. In comparison, the average production per year is around 100 million, but last year the government ordered 200 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine. About 40 million of the H1N1 doses were destroyed after requests for the vaccine diminished last year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38491809/ns/health-cold_and_flu/