Protect against new flu
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Monday October 26 2009
The 2008-2009 seasonal flu vaccine may provide some protection against swine flu, particularly the most severe forms of the disease, according to preliminary research.
However, the authors emphasise that the results should be considered cautiously "and in no way indicate that seasonal vaccine should replace vaccination against pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (swine flu) 2009".
By July, 122 countries, including Ireland, reported almost 100,000 confirmed cases of swine flu.
This study, in the British Medical Journal, investigated the link between the 2008-9 seasonal flu vaccine with cases of influenza A/H1N1 during the epidemic in a hospital in Mexico.
The authors say the reason the seasonal vaccine offers some protection is because it boosts existing antibodies in individuals who have previously been exposed to a similar flu virus, either by infection or vaccination.
However this is at odds with another recent study, this time done in Canada, which indicates that the seasonal flu vaccine may increase your risk of getting swine flu (see p14).
People with at-risk medical conditions are currently being offered the swine flu vaccine and next in line are healthcare workers, children and people over 65 years.
- Eilish O'Regan
Irish Independent
