This specimen reflects the emergence of the H3N2 strain which caused the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968-69 (34,000 deaths in US). It also has been formulated specifically for the 1972-73 flu season. The practice of annual reformulation continues today with implications about the limits of the efficacy of flu vaccines and their profitability of manufacture. Note that Thimersol is still used as the preservative.
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