Entirely New Flu Vaccine Needed Next Year, Says WHO

According to a report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the three most common types of influenza strains have changed in such a way that they are now showing signs of resistance to the Tamiflu and Relenza vaccines.

For the first time in 20 years, the CDC is recommending a complete reformulation of the vaccine. In its FluView report for the week ending March 1, the CDC announced its recommendations for the formulation of the influenza vaccine for the 2008-2009 flu season. The recommendations are announced a year in advance because of the lengthy process by which the vaccines are produced. All three of the inactivated strains of the virus that were suggested for the 2008-2009 formulation are different from the current formulation.