This Year’s Flu Vaccine: Transition from Quadrivalent to Trivalent Formula

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Flu Vaccination 2025: Switch to Tri-valent Vaccine & Why It’s Still Effective

Seoul, South Korea – september 22, 2025 – Flu vaccinations are beginning across the country, but this year with a key change: a switch to a tri-valent vaccine (containing protection against three strains) instead of the customary quadrivalent vaccine (four strains). Health officials assure the public that this change doesn’t diminish the vaccine’s effectiveness.

What’s new: The Shift to Tri-Valent

Recently, one of the B-strain viruses (Yamagata lineage) is showing exceptionally limited presence worldwide.Due to this shift, the World health Association (WHO) and Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend prioritizing a tri-valent vaccine for the 2025-2026 flu season. This vaccine will protect against the following strains:

* Type A: H1N1 and H3N2
* Type B: Victoria lineage

Is the Tri-Valent Vaccine Safe and Effective?

Yes.Experts stress that the preventive power and safety profiles of the tri-valent and quadrivalent vaccines are comparable, with both offering 70-90% protection for healthy adults in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The domestic tri-valent vaccine meets WHO and Korean Food & Drug Administration (KFDA) standards. Clinical trials show an immune response rate exceeding the required benchmarks, with a neutralization antibody generation rate of 90% or higher.

“There’s no meaningful difference in preventive effects and safety,” stated Dr. Oh Moo-young, director of the Infectious Disease Center at Busan On Hospital.”Considering the minimal circulation of the Yamagata strain,this change is justified and will help streamline vaccine production and improve accessibility.”

Who Should Get Vaccinated & When?

Vaccination rollout is staged:

* Age 13 and up & Pregnant women: Starting September 22, 2025
* 65-69 years old: Starting October 22, 2025
* 70-74 years old: Starting October 20, 2025
* 75 and older: Starting October 15, 2025

Officials recommend receiving the vaccine as early as possible to allow sufficient time for antibody development before peak flu season. Vaccinations are available through April 30, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

* The switch to a tri-valent vaccine is based on global viral trends.
* The tri-valent vaccine remains highly effective and safe.
* Domestic vaccines are reliable and meet stringent standards.
* Early vaccination is crucial for optimal protection.

Source: Financial News

How does teh WHO utilize FluNet to inform flu vaccine composition recommendations?

Understanding the Shift in Flu Vaccine Composition

For many years, the standard influenza (flu) vaccine has been quadrivalent – meaning it protected against four different flu viruses: two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains. Though, for the 2025-2026 flu season, a meaningful change is occurring: a move towards predominantly trivalent vaccines. This means moast vaccines will protect against one influenza A strain (H1N1) and two influenza B strains. this shift isn’t arbitrary; it’s based on global surveillance data and evolving viral patterns.The world Health Association (WHO) plays a crucial role in this decision, utilizing tools like FluNet (https://www.who.int/tools/flunet) to monitor influenza activity worldwide and recommend vaccine compositions.

Why the Change to a Trivalent Flu Vaccine?

The decision to prioritize a trivalent formulation stems from several key observations:

* Dominance of Specific Strains: recent global surveillance data indicates that one influenza B strain (victoria lineage) has been consistently dominant, while the other (Yamagata lineage) has been circulating at very low levels.In many regions, the Yamagata strain has been virtually absent.

* Improved Vaccine Effectiveness: By focusing on the circulating strains,vaccine manufacturers aim to improve overall vaccine effectiveness. Including a strain that isn’t actively spreading doesn’t contribute to protection and can potentially dilute the immune response to the more prevalent viruses.

* Manufacturing Efficiency: Producing a trivalent vaccine can streamline the manufacturing process, potentially increasing supply and reducing costs. This is particularly important during periods of high demand.

* Reduced Adverse Reactions: While rare, some individuals experience mild side effects from the flu vaccine. A more focused vaccine may potentially reduce the likelihood of these reactions, though this is still under investigation.

What Does This Mean for You?

The transition to a trivalent vaccine doesn’t necessarily mean you’re less protected.Here’s what you need to know:

* Continued protection Against A Strains: The H1N1 influenza A strain, which is often responsible for more severe illness, remains a key component of the vaccine.

* Focus on Circulating B Strains: The two influenza B strains included in the trivalent vaccine are the ones currently causing the most illness.

* Quadrivalent options May Still Be Available: Some manufacturers may continue to offer quadrivalent vaccines, particularly for specific populations or regions where the Yamagata strain is still circulating. Check with your healthcare provider.

* Importance of Annual Vaccination: regardless of weather you receive a trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine, annual flu vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

Who Should Be Prioritized for Vaccination?

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine,with particular emphasis on these groups:

* Young Children: Children aged 6 months to 5 years are at higher risk of complications from the flu.

* Pregnant Women: Flu vaccination during pregnancy protects both the mother and the developing baby.

* Older Adults: Individuals aged 65 years and older are more vulnerable to severe illness.

* People with Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease increase the risk of flu complications.

* Healthcare Workers: protecting healthcare workers ensures they can continue to provide care to others.

Understanding Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Like any vaccine,the flu shot can cause mild side effects. These are typically temporary and include:

* Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

* Low-grade fever

* Muscle aches

* Headache

These side effects are a sign that your body is building immunity and usually resolve within a day or two. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains either inactivated (killed) virus or a single protein from the flu virus, which cannot cause infection.

Staying Informed About Flu Trends

Keeping up-to-date with current flu activity is crucial. Resources like the CDC’s FluView (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluview/index.htm) provide weekly reports on flu incidence, severity, and vaccine effectiveness. Regularly checking these resources can definitely help you make informed decisions about your health and protect yourself during flu season.

Practical Tips for flu Prevention Beyond Vaccination

While vaccination is the cornerstone of flu prevention,these additional steps can further reduce your risk:

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Avoid Touching your face: Germs can easily enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
4. Stay Home When Sick: Avoid contact with others if you’re feeling unwell.
5. Boost Your Immune System: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

Real-World Example: Impact of Strain changes in 2018

In the 2018-2019 flu season, a mismatch between the predicted and circulating influenza B strains led