The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that the flu vaccine used in the Southern Hemisphere during the fall and winter of 2023 displayed an efficacy rate of 52%. This statistic raises the possibility of similar effectiveness for the upcoming flu season in the United States. (Source: huntlh/Pixabay)
Sept. 8 (UPI) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine utilized for the 2023 season led to a 52% reduction in flu-related hospitalizations. This finding is a promising indicator of its potential efficacy for the upcoming fall and winter months in the United States.
The CDC report focuses on early seasonal data collected from five South American countries during their 2023 flu season.
“The circulating influenza viruses closely resembled those targeted by the 2023-24 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine formulation,” states the report. “If these viruses dominate in the U.S. during the upcoming flu season, this vaccine could potentially offer similar protection against severe illness and hospitalization.”
The CDC strongly recommends healthcare providers to administer the seasonal influenza vaccine to all eligible individuals aged 6 months and older, especially those with compromised immune systems, to minimize the risk of contracting influenza.
Despite the alarming number of respiratory hospitalizations (up to 829,000) and deaths (as many as 71,710) attributed to the flu each year, vaccination coverage has been steadily declining since 2016.
Therefore, the CDC emphasizes the importance of public education regarding the effectiveness of flu vaccines as a strategy to encourage vaccination and improve coverage rates.
While outcomes in the Southern Hemisphere do not always mirror those in the United States, the report acknowledges that if similar flu viruses predominate in the U.S. during the upcoming flu season, the available vaccines could provide comparable protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
It is particularly crucial for individuals with young children, preexisting health conditions, pregnant individuals, and older adults to receive the flu vaccine, according to the CDC’s recommendation.
The optimal time to get vaccinated against the flu is September and October.
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