Flu vaccine is doing well, but fatality rates are high

This season’s flu vaccine reduces the need to go to the doctor’s office by about half, according to figures released Thursday. Unlike last winter, when flu killed and hospitalized more people in the United States than any seasonal influenza in decades, this season’s flu is considered significantly less harsh, according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine also works better overall than last year and is more effective.

16,000

Approximate number of people who died of flu this season, according to the CDC. It is more than what would be expected at this point in a relatively mild season.

61%

Effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine in children. When effectiveness is about 50 percent, officials say there is a large decrease in illness, hospitalizations and deaths from flu.

47%

Effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine overall. A final estimate for last season showed that the vaccine was about 40 percent effective.

6-7 million

Estimated number of people who went to the doctor with the flu.

155,000

to 186,000 Estimated number of people who were hospitalized with the flu.

Why it matters

Several more weeks of influenza are likely, and officials say it is not too late to get a flu shot.