China Approves 4-Strain Flu Vaccine for 2018

The National Drug Administration of China (NDAC) has approved the country's first vaccine that can protect people from 4 influenza virus strains.

The four-strain vaccine adds protection against the Yamagata lineage of Influenza B, which was the main virus strain during the 2017/18 flu season, reports XINHUAnet.

This flu vaccine may be used on adults and children aged 3 years and above.

Until now, China offered only 3-strain influenza vaccines, said the NDAC.

H1N1 and H3N2 of Influenza A and Victoria and Yamagata lineages of Influenza B are the common strains of human flu viruses in China.

Two domestic companies -- Hualan and Changsheng -- are the approved vaccine producers.

The seasonal flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, affecting seniors, infants, and people with cardiopulmonary diseases in particular.

Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent infection and guard against an epidemic.

China’s pharmaceutical regulatory body has gone through several rounds of structural changes since its foundation in 1998 as the State Drug Administration after a high-profile bribery scandal in 2007.

The NDAC became a standalone department managed directly by the State Council in 2013, said FiercePharma. 

For USA residents traveling to China who have not been appropriately protected from flu viruses, vaccination services are available at most pharmacies. These pharmacies offer several FDA approved flu vaccines.

The CDC suggests various travel vaccines, which are suggested here.

International travelers can easily make pre-departure vaccination appointments at a local pharmacy by visiting this page.

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised by doctors to choose the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) when they vaccinate their children during the Fall of 2018. 

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector prices for general information.

Flu vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.