Russia’s Flu-M influenza vaccine is also effective against the currently circulating so-called “Hong Kong flu” strain, the press service of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia reported.
“Currently, the H3N2 strain, referred to as ‘Hong Kong flu,’ is predominant among influenza viruses circulating in the Russian Federation. According to the A.A. Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, which serves as the reference center for the diagnosis of influenza and ARVI, as well as the National Influenza Center of the World Health Organization, the ‘Flu-M’ vaccine has demonstrated its efficacy against the currently circulating H3N2 strain,” the statement said (as quoted by TASS). The agency described the circulating H3N2 strain as “seasonal” and stated it is not expected to cause a pandemic.
Flu-M is the first Russian influenza vaccine to be approved by the WHO and recommended for procurement by UN agencies, including UNICEF. Timely vaccination with “Flu-M” reduces the risk of contracting the disease by 80-90%, and if infection does occur, the illness follows a mild course without complications.
“According to available statistical data, the absolute majority of patients hospitalized with severe influenza were not vaccinated. The most dangerous complications of influenza are lesions of the central nervous system and viral pneumonia, which is characterized by high mortality,” the FMBA emphasized.
