The evolution of the Influenza vaccine

In 1892, Richard Pfeiffer isolated a bacteria found in the noses of people with flu

1918-1920

major flu epidemic- "mother of all pandemics"

public gatherings limited

Attempt of a vaccine by Dr Edward Rosenow

1933

using the bacteria that causes pneumonia- unsuccessful but may have helped prevent post flu pneumonia

mask wearing and isolation in place

Influenza discovered to be a virus

Wilson Smith, C.H Andrews and P.P Laidlaw; London's institute for Medical Research

First vaccine developed by Thomas Francis and Jonas Salk

First distributed to US military

image

Nurse caring for a patient- Influenza epidemic, 1918

1942

Bivalent vaccine developed to protect against newly developed Influenza B strain

1945

Flu vaccine made licensed for wider use

1947

During the flu season, it was discovered that the current vaccines were insufficient due to virus mutation and development of new strains

click to edit

led to the monitoring of flu strains per year, leading to a personalised flu vaccine rolled out yearly

1957

influenza pandemic- new strain, 1.1 million deceased worldwide

1969

new influenza pandemic- causing US scientists to focus on preventative influenza vaccination

led to WHO recommending a flu vaccine for people at risk of flu related complications(pneumonia)

1997

"bird flu"(avian influenza) caused by H5N1 spreads to people causing pandemic

2002

ACIP recommends influenza vaccination for 6-23 month old children, annually.

2007

Avian flu vaccine approved

2008

annual vaccination reccomended for 6 months to 18 year olds

2009-2010

influenza pandemic, causing only 12,000 deaths with 61 million cases

2020-now

annual influenza vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths per year.