February 21, 2012 ATLANTA (AP) -- For those 65 and older, this
season's flu shot is only 9 percent effective against the most
common and dangerous flu bug, according to a startling new
government report. Flu vaccine tends to protect younger people
better than older ones and never works as well as other kinds of
vaccines. But experts say the preliminary results for seniors
are disappointing and highlight the need for a better vaccine.
For all age groups, the vaccine's effectiveness is moderate at
56 percent, which is nearly as well as other flu seasons, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. For
those 65 and older, it is 27 percent effective against the three
strains in the vaccine, the lowest in about a decade but not far
below from what's expected. But the vaccine did a particularly
poor job of protecting older people against the harshest flu
strain, which is causing most of the illnesses this year. CDC
officials say it's not clear why. Vaccinations are now
recommended for anyone over