CDC suggests forthcoming vaccine likely to be very effective in preventing the disease
MONDAY, Sept. 28 (HealthDay News) -- The genetic makeup of the H1N1 flu has remained stable, which means the yet-to-be-released vaccine is likely to be a good match for the virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced at a Sept. 25 media briefing.
According to the agency, genetic testing has found no changes in the virus. Because the forthcoming vaccine is such a good match with the virus, it is likely to be very effective in preventing illness.
In addition, even though the virus is continuing to spread throughout the United States, most cases are mild to moderate. The latest data suggest that the virus is not likely to become deadlier, according to the CDC officials. H1N1 also continues to affect mostly young adults and children. The vaccine for the disease is expected to be available in large quantities by late October.
"The vaccine that we have coming off the production lines shortly is a very good match -- in fact, an excellent match -- with the virus that continues to circulate, which suggests it is likely to be very effective in preventing illness," CDC director, Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., said in a statement.
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