There is not a flu vaccine (also know as a flu shot) against the current avian flu (H5N1) commercially available at this time. However, vaccines are produced each year for seasonal flu ("the flu") that may prevent the flu or lessen symptoms. University Health Services (UHS) schedules "flu shot clinics" during the fall. For more information please see, Flu Shot Update.

Efforts are underway to develop an effective one for H5N1 virus. The U.S. has put in an order for several million doses of this experimental vaccine. However, governments face the dilemma that this vaccine might not be effective against a new strain of this virus when and if it makes the leap from man to man. We face the same dilemma with antiviral medications. When and if we experience a flu pandemic, we hope a vaccine will be ready in time.

There is no vaccine for humans against avian flu. The vaccine against human influenza virus does not protect against avian flu.

Vaccines against the H5N1 avian flu currently occurring in SE Asia are under development. These are not the same as a pandemic vaccine – if a pandemic were to emerge from this virus the virus may have changed to such an extent that this vaccine may not be appropriate.

Influenza vaccine cannot prevent avian influenza as the vaccine was meant for human influenza. However, the vaccine can help reduce the chance of complications and hospitalization from human influenza; hence it is recommended for the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses. Influenza vaccine can also reduce the chance of genetic re-assortment and subsequent emergence of influenza strain with pandemic potential.

Vaccines against the H5N1 avian virus currently occurring in SE Asia are under development. These are not the same asa pandemic vaccine - if a pandemic were to emerge from this virus the virus mayhave changed to such an extent that this vaccine may not be appropriate.

There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against the H5N1 virus that is being seen in Asia and Europe. However, vaccine development efforts are taking place. Research studies to test a vaccine to protect humans against H5N1 virus began in April 2005, and a series of clinical trials is underway. For more information about the H5N1 vaccine development process, visit the National Institutes of Health Web site.

In general, anyone OVER THE AGE OF SIX MONTHS who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

Currently available flu vaccines only protect against the currently circulating ordinary flu. The virus causing a pandemic will be so different from the strains in the vaccine that they are very unlikely to provide any significant immunity in a pandemic situation. New vaccine must be developed to match the new pandemic strain. Can any vaccine left from previous years be used? No. It will only provide protection against old strains of influenza virus, not against a new strain.

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian flu. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian flu virus.

A vaccine against avian influenza is under development but there is none currently available in the United States.

Yes, you should get the flu vaccine this year. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself. The flu vaccine will prevent you from being infected with the current types of human flu viruses that are circulating this year. It is now recommended that everyone get the annual flu vaccination especially if you are 65 years of age or older or if you have any long-term health problems that weaken your immune system.

No. Although the capability does exist for scientists to produce vaccines against almost all known human flu viruses, the problem they face with the current threat is that they cannot predict the strain of any new hybrid mutations that may emerge. Once an outbreak occurs that is caused by a new strain, scientists will be able to rapidly identify the new virus and work towards creating a vaccine.