This year’s flu shot has demonstrated significant effectiveness in preventing hospitalization among kids and teens, with the vaccine being up to 78% effective against flu hospitalizations. According to early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinated kids had a lower chance of being hospitalized for flu by 63% to 78%.
The shots also reduced the likelihood of outpatient visits for flu, including doctor’s visits, urgent care, and emergency department visits. While the protection level varied between regions, the vaccine was found to be at least 32% effective against pediatric hospitalizations.
For adults, the shots were 41% effective in one network and 55% in another, while being less protective than for kids and teens. However, these estimates are subject to change as flu season progresses.
The CDC recommends that all persons aged 6 months or older be vaccinated against influenza, citing the findings in a recent report. The report also highlighted the importance of vaccination in reducing more severe complications from influenza-associated hospitalization.
The authors suggest that a subtype of flu known as H3N2 may have contributed to lower protection rates among kids with outpatient visits. However, the shots showed levels of protection consistent with those from previous seasons.
Meanwhile, the fate of next year’s flu shots is uncertain due to the cancellation of an FDA advisory panel meeting without a given reason. The delay could impact the production cycle and lead to higher rates of serious illness and death if manufacturers do not have enough vaccine in time.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/flu/this-years-flu-shot-was-up-to-78-percent-effective-at-preventing-hospitalization-in-kids-early-data-find