Title: CDC Study Reveals Last Year’s Flu Shot Less Than 50% Effective for Children and Adolescents
Summary: A recent study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the influenza vaccine for the 2022–2023 flu season was less than 50% effective in preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations among children and adolescents. The analysis, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, found the vaccine to be 48% effective overall at reducing the risk of influenza-A-associated emergency department or urgent care visits, and only 40% effective at preventing hospitalizations. The study, conducted across multiple states, involved children and adolescents aged 6 months to 17 years.
Despite the low efficacy, the CDC emphasizes that the flu shot remains a “critical tool” to prevent moderate-to-severe influenza illness in this age group. The effectiveness varied across age groups, with the vaccine being 47-58% effective among children aged 6 months to 4 years and 30-45% effective among those aged 9 to 17 years old. The study also revealed a range of 23-75% efficacy among children aged 6 months to 4 years for preventing hospitalizations.
Critics, including Linda Wastila, a professor and health policy expert, have raised concerns about the study’s methodology, citing potential biases and a lack of control for various factors. The CDC, which conducts yearly studies to assess vaccine effectiveness, has recently redefined its messaging for influenza vaccines, focusing on preventing severe illness rather than completely avoiding illness.
Despite the challenges, the CDC remains committed to promoting influenza vaccination, with data showing vaccine efficacy ranging from 19 to 54% over the past ten years. The study underscores the importance of continued research and development to enhance the effectiveness of flu vaccines for children and adolescents.