Protection conferred by the influenza vaccine typically begins two weeks after vaccination and may last for six months or longer. Serum antibodies in some elderly patients can diminish more rapidly to non-protective levels. Because large outbreaks in the United States usually occur between December and early March, the optimal time to receive the vaccination is between October and November. However, administration of the vaccine is appropriate anytime from September to the end of the influenza season. The vaccine formulation is changed annually because of the antigenic variability of the influenza virus.
Influenza vaccine is produced from inactivated virus grown in chicken eggs.
Individuals who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions to eggs or egg products should not receive the vaccine. Recipients of the vaccine may experience soreness at the site of injection, fever, and malaise that may persist for one or two days. For questions about the vaccination schedule, contact the Occupational Medical Service at 6-4411. A Brief Review Chronic hepatitis C infection is considered the single most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatic carcinoma, and chronic liver disease . Ribavirin, a nucleoside analog administered orally, has been used in combination with interferon alpha-2b to improve the overall response rate.