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FDA approves 2009-2010 seasonal influenza vaccine

FDA officials have announced that a vaccine for the 2009-2010 seasonal influenza in the United States has been approved.

The vaccine for the 2009-2010 seasonal influenza contains three strains of influenza: an A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus, an A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

“The approval of this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine is an example of the FDA’s important responsibility to assure timely availability of vaccine to help protect the health of the American public,” Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, FDA commissioner, said in a press release. “A new seasonal influenza vaccine each year is a critical tool in protecting public health.”

FDA officials noted that the 2009-2010 seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against influenza A (H1N1), the virus that resulted in the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization earlier this year. However, they said they are continuing to work with manufacturers, international partners and other government agencies to make available a safe and effective vaccine against influenza A (H1N1).