This Year ’ s Flu Shot Less Than 50% Effective, According To CDC

By Susan Scutti, CNN (CNN) — Don’t let your guard down: The US flu season is expected to continue for several more weeks, with activity across the nation now elevated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday. A flu shot is still recommended for those who have neglected to get one, but the CDC estimated this year’s vaccine’s overall effectiveness in preventing an infection at just 47%. The shot’s success varies based on your age, the CDC noted. Among children up to 17, its overall effectiveness against flu was 61%, while just 24% of adults 50 and older who received the shot gained protection against infection. Studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of influenza-related deaths in children; 80% of the children in the United States who died from flu last season were unvaccinated. Additionally, the shot “prevents a substantial number of influenza-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths annually,” noted the authors of the new CDC report. Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the nonprofit National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said that those who get flu after receiving vaccine are less likely to require hospitalization and are less likely to die of the illness. “The vaccine is not perfect,” Schaffner said. “But give the vaccine credit for softening the blow.” The virus’ severity this season compared with last has been low, with a smaller percentage of doct...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health News CNN Flu Flu Shot Source Type: news