Preliminary information from health authorities in Australia indicate that the flu vaccine may be ineffective against the type of influenza that has developed this year.
Australia experienced an increase in influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths over the winter compared to last year.
Flu season in Australia is winding down, just as it is begining to take hold in the northern hempisphere.
Health officals say the vaccine this year was only 10% effective toward the H3N2 flu strain, but health authorities here say it is still better to get immunized because the vaccine will offer some measure of protection.
Last year the effectiveness of the vaccine was 37%.
The virus is already present in Canada and is currently predominant in Alberta and Ontario.