Updates and Resources on Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Visit "What''s New" on CDC''s seasonal influenza webpage for surveillance, guidance, and other news updates.
2013-2014 Influenza Vaccines
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) have announced their recommendations for the vaccine viruses to be included in the 2013-2014 influenza vaccines. The recommendations again include a fourth vaccine virus component as an option for manufacturers that choose to produce a quadrivalent vaccine. The recommended vaccine virus for the influenza A H1N1 component remains the same. The recommended A(H3N2) and B components have been updated. These are:
- An A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (this is unchanged; manufacturers can use the same vaccine candidate viruses to produce vaccine for the upcoming season),
- An A(H3N2) virus antigenically similar to thecell-propagated or cell-grown A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus (this is an update from last season's vaccine; manufacturers will need to change the vaccine virus candidate)
- A B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus (Yamagata lineage; this is a different virus, however it is related to and antigenically similar to the 2012-2013 influenza B component; manufacturers will need to change the vaccine virus candidate).
Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/virusqa.htm for information about the process used to select the vaccine viruses for the seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC Foundation and NFL Team Up to Fight the Flu
Watch this video of NFL player Matt Birk, of the Baltimore Ravens, explain why he gets vaccinated against the flu.
Tracking Influenza Disease in the U.S.
Influenza season typically lasts from October to April in the U.S. If you are traveling during these months, you may want to check whether influenza is causing illness at your destination. CDC collects data on influenza diagnoses across the country throughout influenza season. Their map shows levels of influenza activity by state in ranges from "No activity" to " Widespread" activity. CDC also tracks the number of seasonal influenza vaccine doses distributed in the U.S.
Stay Current with FluView
FluView, a weekly surveillance report from CDC, includes reporting on influenza-related mortality, hospitalizations, and antiviral resistance. The site also contains a map indicating the spread of seasonal influenza, with levels reported by state.
HealthMap Vaccine Finder
Find real-time influenza vaccination clinics at local health departments, pharmacies, and other influenza vaccination venues by using HealthMap Vaccine Finder.
