Some older Aussies taking two flu vaccines to beat new strain

Some elderly Queenslanders are taking two separate flu vaccines out of fear the Federal Government's free vaccine for those over 65 won't protect them from a new strain.

Concerns over a Brisbane-based B strain not covered by this vaccine, are prompting local doctors to offer a quadrivalent injection that protects against two A and two B influenza strains the Courier Mail reports.

That's one more than the three strains covered in the trivalent vaccine provided by the government.

One expert however argues that this year's vaccine for older Aussies is more than adequate.

"What people don’t understand is this vaccine will offer cross-protection for the Brisbane B strain, and it is the A (H3N2) that is more common in older people,” Professor Robert Booy said.

Mr Booy is the head of clinical research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.

Queensland doctor Dr Wade Wilson however does not believe cross-protection is enough, saying he couldn't understand why the Brisbane B strain was not included in the vaccination.

The medical director of the Immunisation Program Dr Alun Richards however points to evidence that standard flu vaccines are not as effective at protecting elderly people.

"The enhanced vaccine (for people aged 65 and over) is designed specifically to increase the immune system’s response to vaccine," he said.