Both papers also ignore the fact that another version of the flu jab, designed for vulnerable children, is also available.
Discouraging parents of vulnerable children from getting vaccinated could increase the risk of serious childhood illnesses and possible hospitalisation.
Why is the flu vaccine not working?
There are many strains of the influenza virus and each one can
mutate. It takes time to develop and produce vaccines against them.
Global surveillance is used to predict which strains are likely to be
circulating the following winter, and in February the World Health Organization (WHO) announces which strains the flu vaccine should cover. Last year, it decided to cover three flu varieties:- Influenza A (H1N1), also known as “swine flu"
- Influenza A (H3N2)
- Influenza B
It was also not known whether this particular strain would be the predominant strain this winter, which it has been, and so the vaccine is not effective against it.
How effective is it?
The vaccine is effective against the other strains of influenza, but
not the new strain of influenza A (H3N2). The mid-season vaccine
effectiveness rate is just 3.4%. Vaccination against this new strain and
other possible mutations will be considered at the WHO meeting this
February for next winter.
Reactions to the news
Dr Michael Skinner said: “The current type of seasonal influenza
vaccine is, at the moment, the best we have. Annually it saves tens of
thousands of lives. Unusually, but not uniquely, this year one (H3N2) of
the four targeted viruses ‘drifted’ (mutated) in an unanticipated
direction after the vaccine was formulated for production, so that the
vaccine offers little protection against the drifted H3N2. Even so, the
vaccine still protects against the other three components (pre- and
post-2009 H1N1 and B). And it does at least stop the virus drifting back
along the path that had been predicted. To describe it as ‘useless’
would be misguided.”
Should you still get the jab?
The other strains can still cause infection so the vaccine is still
recommended for pregnant women, people aged over 65 and those with any
of the following conditions: - chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma (that requires inhaled or tablet steroid treatment or has led to hospital admission in the past), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
-
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
-
chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
-
chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or motor neurone disease
-
problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
-
a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or as a result of medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
When to visit your GP
If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to visit your GP if you have flu-like symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.
If you are in any of the high risk groups listed above then you should visit your GP.
Depending on your circumstances, your GP may recommend a short course of antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
Antivirals are not used for everyone with flu because this would lead to further mutations in the viruses and drug resistance, making them ineffective.
If you suspect you have the flu it is important to take steps to prevent it spreading; especially to one or more of the vulnerable groups listed above.
Always:
- make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles regularly to get rid of germs
- use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible