Cross-reactive antibodies induced by a monovalent influenza B virus vaccine.

Influenza viruses related to the markedly antigenically divergent strains B/Yamagata/16/88 and B/Victoria/2/87 are circulating in human populations. Adults develop cross-reacting antibodies against recent and earlier influenza B virus strains after vaccination with B/Yamagata/16/88, probably because of previous influenza B virus infections or immunizations. Vaccines containing B/Yamagata/16/88 should adequately protect adults against B/Victoria/2/87 infections.