Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate
Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season
By MIKE STOBBE
Published - Feb 28, 2024, 04:53 PM ET
Last Updated - Feb 28, 2024, 04:53 PM EST
NEW YORK (AP) — Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season.
The vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines meeting Wednesday. Children who were vaccinated were roughly 60% less likely to get treatment at a doctor's office or hospital, CDC officials said.
Officials generally are pleased if a flu vaccine is 40% to 60% effective.
The shots tend to do better when they are well matched against the circulating flu strains. Officials say that's what's happened during this — relatively typical — flu season.
