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The inactivated vaccine consists of three strains, two of influenza A (H3N2, H1N1)
and one of influenza B. The strains
included represent the most recent antigenic variants.
The strains in the vaccine for the 1999-2000 season are A/Sidney/5/97
(H3N2)-like, A/Beijing/262/95 (H1N1)-like, B/Yamanashi/166/98
(B/Beijing/184/93-like). The
viruses are grown in embryonated eggs and are noninfectious.
The vaccine is approximately 70-80% effective dependent on the age and
immunocompetence of the vaccine recipient and the similarity between the virus
strains in the vaccine and those circulating in the community.
When the match is close, the effectiveness is at least 70 %.
The vaccine is safe. The only contraindication is allergy to eggs and
other components in the vaccine. Soreness at the site of injection is the most
common complaint. Fever, malaise
and myalgia are infrequent. The
vaccine should be given each year prior to the influenza season. Live influenza vaccine, given intranasally, has been
shown by clinical trials to be effective and safe. However, it is not be commercially available.
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