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Flu vaccines didn't work that well in the US, officials find
This season's flu vaccine was 25%–30% effective for adults and 40% for children due to a poorly matched A(H3N2) subclade K strain, CDC data shows.
- On Mar 13, 2026, CDC data showed this season's vaccines were around 25% to 30% effective for adults, marking one of the lowest rates in two decades.
- The new A H3N2 subclade K exploded early winter and was not well matched to this season's vaccine, a mismatch public-health bodies noted as likely reducing protection.
- Vaccination coverage data show about 85% were not fully vaccinated, and 48% of U.S. kids vaccinated last month were about 40% less likely to need medical treatment.
- CDC estimates show a heavy toll this season, with at least 27 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations, 22,000 deaths, at least 101 child deaths, and flu visits declining to 16 states last week.
- Work is already underway for next winter's flu season, with experts including Dr. William Schaffner advising the public that flu shots can prevent severe illness and death.
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Press-Telegram+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Flu vaccines didn’t work that well in the US, officials find
As the U.S. flu season winds down, health officials say the flu vaccine didn’t work very well. It had one of its worst effectiveness rates in more than a decade. A new strain that dominated the early winter was not well matched to the vaccine, leading to an intense early onslaught of flu.
Associated Press News+30 Reposted by 30 other sources
Flu vaccines didn't work that well in the US, officials find
As the U.S. flu season winds down, health officials say the flu vaccine didn’t work very well. It had one of its worst effectiveness rates in more than a decade.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources40
Leaning Left8Leaning Right4Center26Last UpdatedBias Distribution68% Center
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources are Center
68% Center
L 21%
C 68%
11%
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