The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled its recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines slated for the 2024 influenza season in the southern hemisphere. This announcement comes as the culmination of a 4-day meeting focusing on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines, a biannual event organized by WHO.
As we approach the upcoming respiratory virus season, the memory of last year’s harsh ordeal remains fresh. After experiencing two remarkably light flu seasons due to pandemic precautions like social distancing and masking, the return of influenza was fierce, arriving early and causing a widespread impact.
In tandem, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which had sporadically appeared throughout the year, surged during the winter months, resulting in one of the most severe RSV seasons in recent memory. To compound matters, COVID-19 cases showed a resurgence, a familiar situation after three years of successive waves.