article_snippet.sent: Fears for two new strains of influenza, which caused a spike in deaths in Europe and the United States, will see the arrival of an improved vaccination on Australian shores.
article_snippet.sent: Influenza B strain B/Phuket.
article_snippet.sent: The decision to include both was triggered by a spike in flu-related deaths in the northern hemisphere as the vaccine arriving by a month was not a good match to fight against the two types of flu.
article_snippet.sent: Dr Alan Hampson, who chairs the Influenza Specialist Group said H3N2 and B/Phuket caused a spike in deaths in Europe and the US during the northern winter because the vaccine available did not provide the right buffer against the diseases.
article_snippet.sent: There was a spike in deaths related to H3N2 and B/Phuket in Europe and the US the US during the northern winter as the vaccine available did not cover the strains .
highlights_snippet.sent: Flu strains H3N2 and B/Phuket
highlights_snippet.sent: triggered spike in deaths in U.S. and Europe .
  