Via practica 9/2007

VACCINATION IN INFLUENZA PREVENTION

Influenza is a significantly infectious viral disease that affects a great part of the world population year after year. The influenza development is very often worsened by secondary health complication; especially in patients belonged in high-risk group. The high mortality is also typical for influenza infection. Even though vaccination is only one effective possibility in influenza prevention, the immunization coverage remains still low in the Slovak Republic. Vaccination against influenza is indicated predominantly for high-risk population groups. Similarly, the immunization of small children is very important, either. Currently, three types of inactivated trivalent vaccines are available. The subunit influenza vaccines contain thymus – independent exogenous antigens, which activate B lymphocytes directly. The thymus – dependent exogenous antigens are main compound of whole virion and split virion vaccines. Except for antibodies production, their application resulting in activation of B memory cells, either. The new universal vaccines against influenza with no need for annual revaccination and clinical implication of new immunologically advantageous modes of vaccine administration to the clinical practice represent the main topic of present research works.

Keywords: influenza, vaccination, vaccine, epidemic and pandemic.