Influenza vaccines are updated annually because the virus mutates. Which statement is correct?

Prepare for the Paxton Patterson Emergency Medical Technician Test. Study with diverse questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Influenza vaccines are updated annually because the virus mutates. Which statement is correct?

Explanation:
Influenza vaccines are updated annually because the virus continually changes its surface proteins through mutation, especially in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. This antigenic drift means a vaccine that worked last year may be less effective against circulating strains this season, so health authorities review global surveillance data and reformulate the vaccine to target the strains most likely to appear. Sometimes larger genetic shifts (antigenic shift) can create new subtypes, prompting even more updates. Because of this ongoing evolution, an annual update is needed, making the statement true.

Influenza vaccines are updated annually because the virus continually changes its surface proteins through mutation, especially in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. This antigenic drift means a vaccine that worked last year may be less effective against circulating strains this season, so health authorities review global surveillance data and reformulate the vaccine to target the strains most likely to appear. Sometimes larger genetic shifts (antigenic shift) can create new subtypes, prompting even more updates. Because of this ongoing evolution, an annual update is needed, making the statement true.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy