The flu vaccine is only 25% effective against the worst strain of the virus, according to a new report from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Overall, the flu shot has prevented 36% of all strains thus far, but three-quarters of verified flu cases have been caused by the leading strain known as H3N2 influenza, and the vaccine has prevented only 25% of the illnesses caused by this type of influenza.
Despite the new findings, researchers are still urging people to get vaccinated during this treacherous flu season. The vaccine has been found to be effective against the other strains. For instance, the report indicated that the vaccine has a 59% effectiveness rate among children who are 6 months to 8 years old.
Additionally, the vaccine is 67% effective against the H1N1 flu, and 42% effective against the influenza B viruses. The CDC suggests that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated because the flu season will not be dying down any time soon.
