CDC: Flu shot kept about 50% from going to doctor

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data about the current flu season. Below is an exerpt from an article by The Hill. Read more here.

“The CDC data show the vaccine is 46 percent effective against H1N1, the most common type of flu this year, and 47 percent effective against all influenza-related illnesses.
As of Feb. 2, 28 children have died from the flu, compared to 68 at the same point last year.

Currently, the CDC estimates 9,600 to 15,900 deaths between Oct.1 and Feb. 2. Last year, 80,000 people died in what was described as a “high severity” season. In other years, flu-related deaths have ranged from about 12,000 to 56,000.

The CDC recommended that health care providers continue to administer the flu shot ‘because influenza activity is ongoing … vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially serious complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death.'”

Read the full article from The Hill.