Question: I’m scared by all the news about this year’s flu season being worse than usual. Is it too late to get a flu shot?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
It is not too late for a flu shot. Although the flu shot for the current influenza A strains has not been as protective as usual (only 23 percent effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it does offer protection against other influenza B strains that are circulating.
Remember that the flu shots build immunity, and often will at least reduce the severity of the flu if you are unlucky enough to come down with it.
One severe influenza case may be the last one you know, with flu causing about 30,000 U.S. deaths every year.
The CDC now recommends annual influenza vaccination for children and adults.
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