Vaccines against epidemic and pandemic influenza.
BACKGROUND
Preventative vaccination is the most effective way to control epidemic and, perhaps, pandemic influenza viral infections. However, the immunogenicity and efficacy of influenza vaccines against epidemic strains are suboptimal among older adults. The risk of serious complications from influenza viral infection is compounded by co-morbid conditions among older adults. Furthermore, despite annual influenza vaccination campaigns, the vaccination rates in high risk populations range from 60.5 - 79.2% only [1] . In addition, H5N1 avian influenza viruses have the potential to cause a pandemic. However, H5N1 vaccines currently licensed in the US are poorly immunogenic in high doses in the absence of an adjuvant even in healthy adults.


OBJECTIVE
In this review, we address the current status of vaccines against epidemic and avian influenza viruses of pandemic potential.


METHODS
We have limited the review to the discussion of technologies and strategies that have progressed to human clinical trials and/or licensure for seasonal and pandemic influenza.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving the immunogenicity of vaccines against avian influenza viruses, as well as aggressive programs to vaccinate high risk populations against seasonal and pandemic influenza, are crucial for our public health efforts in minimizing the impact of influenza epidemics or pandemics.
Hoelscher
Mary
M
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Influenza Division, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop G47, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Gangappa
Shivaprakash
S
Zhong
Weimin
W
Jayashankar
Lakshmi
L
Sambhara
Suryaprakash
S
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods
D007252:Influenza Vaccines