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
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
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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.