Abstract
A mixed influenza A and B epidemic, which affected 30 per cent of the boys in a boarding school during the early part of 1976 is described. Virological findings indicate that most cases were due to influenza viruses similar to A/Victoria/75.
The incidence of influenza was similar in all blocks in the school, but very variable in the boys' houses. The four-day half-term holiday helped to limit the epidemic.
Eighty-six per cent of the boys had received an influenza vaccine containing the A/Scotland and A/Port Chalmers antigens.
Influenza vaccination was of definite value, giving a protection rate among vaccinated boys of 36 per cent. Vaccinated boys who developed influenza had a shorter illness than unvaccinated boys.
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Selected References
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