The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says this year’s flu vaccine is 48 percent effective in preventing the illness. That number might seem low, but U.S. health officials say the flu vaccine seems to be working pretty well this season. Experts consider it a good year when a flu vaccine is 50 percent to 60 percent effective.
We’re only halfway through the season, and Jessica Rigler with the Arizona Department of Health Services says it’s still a good idea to get the shot.
“There is still time to go out and get it. It’s better to be protected and have 50 percent less chance of getting sick from the flu than to be completely vulnerable to the flu,” Rigler said.
The flu vaccine is changed each year based on the best guess at which strains will be the biggest problem. Officials say the current vaccine is a good match.
Flu activity in the state is classified as widespread.
Rigler says there have been more than 3,000 confirmed cases of the flu in Arizona. But, that is half of the usual rate by this time of year.
