Report Indicates Flu Vaccine Less Effective This Year

Report Indicates Flu Vaccine Less Effective This Year This season's flu vaccine may not offer as much protection against infection as it has in years past, according to a Defense Department Study. The report indicates the vaccine, which is usually 70% to 90% effective in preventing infection, is only 52% effective this year. This year, after producing their vaccine, experts discovered two new strains of influenza not covered by the inoculation. These new strains, called "Brisbane" and "Yamagata" now account for almost half of all influenza infections this season. Experts at the CDC say that, while this season's vaccine may not prevent infection in a large number of people, it is not totally ineffective. Those who have received the vaccine and still contract the flu will likely have milder symptoms than non-vaccinated people. The CDC is urging people with a high risk of flu complications, especially the elderly and frail, and those who care for them, to get vaccinated because the flu season typically peaks in the weeks ahead.

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