The effectiveness of the flu shot varies from year to year. Last year it was 50% to 55% effective, which experts consider to be relatively good.
“The influenza season which begins could be worse than normal, even if it is impossible to predict the future”, warns at a press conference the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Doctor Tom Frieden .
In fact, the 2014 vaccine was supposed to protect against the H3N2 influenza virus. However, the unexpected emergence of a completely new strain of the virus could now reduce its effectiveness. The vaccine offers effective protection against 48% of the H3N2 virus samples analyzed so far, which means it is less effective against the remaining 52%.
“Doctors must pay particular attention to children under 2 years of age, the elderly and those with heart, lung, immune or chronic problems, who are more likely to be affected by the virus,” recalled Tom Frieden.
In France, the vaccination campaign has been launched since October 2014. “The vaccine is the most effective way to protect frail people from complications related to seasonal flu, and the vaccine is well supported. However, the use of vaccination is in decline for several years, even in the elderly. It is therefore essential to restore confidence in vaccination “explains the National Health Insurance Fund, which covers 100% of the vaccine for the most vulnerable people. vulnerable.
In 2013, in France, influenza caused 105 direct deaths and 7,700 “indirect” deaths, that is to say the deaths of people already suffering from another disease and therefore already weakened.
Are you planning to get the flu shot? Your opinion on the forum.
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