The Epidemiology, Phylogeny, and Strain Antigenicity of an Influenza A/H3N2 Virus Outbreak Among Vaccinated US Navy Midshipmen

TL;DR

This study examines an influenza A/H3N2 outbreak among vaccinated US Navy midshipmen, highlighting vaccine limitations and the need for universal vaccines.

Contribution

The study provides insights into vaccine antigenic divergence and its impact in a highly vaccinated population.

Findings

The outbreak caused significant duty-days lost and rapid spread despite high vaccination rates.

Vaccine antigenic divergence was observed, indicating a mismatch between the vaccine and circulating strains.

Abstract

We performed epidemiological, genetic, and antigenic characterization of an influenza A/H3N2 outbreak in a congregate setting of young adults with high vaccination rates. We noted substantial duty‐days lost, rapid spread, and vaccine antigenic divergence. The risk of influenza in healthy vaccinated adults underscores the need to develop universal influenza vaccines.

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