While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that this season’s flu vaccine is less effective than previously reported, State Health Commissioner William VanNess maintains it’s the best defense for preventing the flu.
The CDC found that the vaccine is 56 percent effective for children and adults up to age 64 and only 9 percent effective for adults 65 and older. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies by season. In the past, the CDC has measured significant benefits of getting the flu vaccine among people 65 and older in terms of preventing infection.
Sixty-one flu related deaths have now been reported in Indiana with most of them occurring in adults aged 65 and older. If you are aged 65 and older and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, seek treatment quickly.
Flu season generally runs from October through May.
