Influenza has been a constant health threat to human society for many years. Vaccination is the most effective way to combat this epidemic and pandemic. Current trend is to vaccinate as many people in the community as possible. US CDC recommends universal vaccination starting 2010 and this may change the landscape of influenza vaccination.

In view of the growing elder population worldwide, more effective influenza vaccine for the extreme elderly is highly desirable. Hose-dose vaccine is developed to meet this end. By doubling the antigen doses of influenza vaccine, better immunogenicity can be achieved in those who are older than 75 years of age.

Intradermal influenza vaccine is another advance. By developing a novel injection device, Intradermal injection of influenza vaccine has become an easy job for vaccine administerer. Because of the concentration of dendritic cells in dermis, delivery of antigen to this site can induce better immunogenicity and has an effect of antigen sparing, which is beneficial to pandemic influenza response.

Virus characterization reveals that influenza B virus, though homogeneous, has two antigen lineages, Yamagata and Victoria. Two lineages of B viruses usually co-circulate in the community at the same time. Because there is no cross-protection between these two lineages, a vaccine containing 4 strains of influenza virus (2A+2B) would provide better protection than current trivalent vaccine (2A+1B).

In summary, we may witness the availability of some new influenza vaccine in the near future. Each has its own advantage and will contribute to better control of influenza.