Concerns raised in Alberta about flu shot's success rate against predominant strain

Health officials in Alberta sayit's still important for people get flu shots, despite indications from Australia that the vaccine may not beeffective against this year's predominant strain.

In the southern hemisphere, effectivenesswas only 10 percent for H3N2, which is expected to be this year'spredominant strain in Alberta.

"There are enough warning signs that the medical system has to be ready,"said Dr.LynoraSaxinger, an infectious disease specialist at University of Alberta.

"We can't say we're going to have exactly the same experience, but it is trulya concern that it could be a rough year. Even if you have had your vaccine, you might not see protection against the dominant strain. Although there'sother reasons to considerstill getting it."

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Those reasons include protection against other flu strains, such as H1N1 and Influenza B, which the shot also inoculates against. Saxingersaidvaccine efficacy for those strains was between 50 to 60 percent. The flu shot could also reduce the severity of illness for those hit byH3N2, she said.

Asked aboutAustralia's results, Health Minister Sarah Hoffman stressed the importance of getting a flu shot.

"We know that the best way to protect yourself is to get immunized, so I want to continue to encourage everyone to do so here," Hoffman said on Monday.

Alberta Health Services saidit's too early to speculate on the effectiveness of this year's vaccine, noting that several flu strains are circulating in Alberta.

"These viruses are not identical to those in the southern hemisphere," AHS spokespersonRobGereghtysaid in an email. "The vaccine also protects against an influenza A H1N1 strain and two strains of Influenza B."

Saxinger said the circumstances will likely prompt more attention and resources towards developing a universal vaccine that would no longer require annual immunization.