Taiwan CDC says flu shot does not cover emerging Influenza B strain

Health authorities say that this year''s flu shot may not provide optimal protection. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control says the vaccine does not cover a strain of Influenza B that''s recently picked up traction. But even though there is a mismatch, you should still get vaccinated. Taiwan CDC says the four-in-one shot still offers some protection.The third phase of the government’s free flu shot scheme launched on Jan. 1. The Taiwan CDC says its quadrivalent vaccine offers no protection against an Influenza B strain that’s recently reared its head.Tsou Tsung-peiTaiwan CDCOur virological tests in recent weeks found that the antigenicity of this vaccine does not cover the Victoria strain that’s been circulating. This means that it doesn’t initiate a very good immune response in blood serum.So far, most flu cases have been caused by Influenza A virus subtype H1N1. But the number of Influenza B cases has increased steadily over the past week. There are two types of Influenza B: Victoria and Yamagata. The current shot was expected to have vaccine effectiveness of 80 to 90%. In reality, it’s been more like 60% to 70%.Lin Ying-janPediatricianThe Taiwan CDC believes that there’s at least some immunization effect due to cross-immunity. Of course, directly targeting the strain would be best. As for cross-immunity, it can only be said that it produces some protective effect.Tsou Tsung-peiTaiwan CDCI want to emphasize that from our data, it looks like 80% to 90% of severe flu cases and deaths involved people who didn’t get vaccinated. So regardless of what strains the vaccines cover, getting vaccinated will absolutely offer more protection than not getting vaccinated.Young infants are at most danger of suffering from Influenza B, which causes body aches, vomiting and diarrhea among other symptoms. Physicians urge people with flu-like symptoms to immediately seek medical advice.