Influenza Vaccination

What are different types of vaccines?

Which antigen is used in current influenza vaccines?

Influenza vaccines primarily target the hemagglutinin (HA) protein on the influenza virus surface. HA is a key protein for the virus's ability to attach to and infect host cells, and antibodies against HA are crucial for protection against influenza.
The HA content in vaccines is standardized because antibody responses against HA are strongly correlated with protection against influenza

What is effectiveness vs. efficacy?

What is the aim of new vaccine technology?

What is the disadvantage of using HA in the vaccine?

The influenza vaccine's effectiveness is significantly influenced by the virus's ability to undergo antigenic drift, particularly in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. This drift, driven by immune pressure, including that from vaccination, can lead to the virus evolving to evade the antibodies induced by the vaccine.