This year's flu shot effectiveness in question
Flu vaccine may be poorly matched this year for at least one of the strains. But you should still get the shot, experts say.
By
Chia-Yi Hou | Jan. 12, 2022
Flu vaccines are reformulated annually to try to match the strains that are circulating.
A preliminary study suggests part of this year’s flu shot may be less effective than expected.
Experts are saying it is still effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalizations.
This winter, the coronavirus and flu viruses are expected to infect many people, sometimes simultaneously. Some health experts are saying that this year’s flu shot is poorly matched to the strain that is circulating. Others say it is still too early to know.
The annual flu vaccine, which takes months to produce, changes formulas every year according to what scientists predict will be the main influenza strain. Because of the way the virus is structured and can mutate, there are many combinations of parts that could make the flu virus different. For example, the strains of influenza are named by their H section and N section, like H1N1. Furthermore, there can be variations within a strain, such as there are many types of H1N1 viruses.
To get enough vaccine produced on time, the scientists must make a prediction as early as six months before the shots need to be delivered. As a result, the prediction for which strain will become popular could be wrong and that could lead to a less effective vaccination campaign.
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https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/589418-this-years-flu-shot-effectiveness-in-question
