The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday that the overall effectiveness of the shot in the current flu season is 45 percent. Overall, the flu shot was found to be 55 percent effective in children and teens. So far this season, the CDC estimates there have been at least 26 million flu illnesses, resulting in a quarter-million hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths. Ninety-two children have died.
This season, two main flu strains have been circulating: A/H1N1 and B/Victoria. When the CDC looked at how well the shot has been guarding against each strain, investigators found it’s been 50 percent effective against B/Victoria.
Takeaway: Get your flu shot. The season hasn’t peaked yet.