Abstract
Influenza is an infectious viral disease that afflicts an important part of the population every year and causes thousands of deaths all over the world. Although vaccination is effective in influenza prevention, the immunization coverage remains low in the Czech Republic and also in Slovakia.
Vaccination against influenza is indicated primarily for high risk population groups but can be of benefit to other persons as well. Currently, a new universal vaccine against influenza is being developed with no need for annual revaccination.
Other research activities target new immunologically advantageous modes of vaccine administration. When the vaccine cannot be given or appears not to be adequately effective, antivirals can be instituted against influenza either therapeutically or prophylacttically.
The development of vaccine against avian influenza virus as a candidate pandemic agent is in progress.