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The flu vaccine is generally considered to be effective in preventing influenza infections. However, its effectiveness can vary from year to year and among different individuals due to factors such as the match between the vaccine and circulating flu strains, the age and health of the person receiving the vaccine, and other variables.
The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of the influenza virus expected to circulate in a given season. Vaccine effectiveness can range from around 40% to 60% in most years, although it can be higher or lower depending on various factors.
Even when the vaccine's effectiveness is not 100%, it still provides several benefits. It can reduce the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations, and deaths, and it can also help in reducing the overall spread of the virus in the community.
It's important to note that the flu vaccine is updated each year to include the strains that are predicted to be most prevalent. It is recommended that individuals receive the flu vaccine annually, especially those who are at higher risk of complications or have conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe flu symptoms.
It's always best to consult with healthcare professionals or refer to reputable health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on vaccine effectiveness and recommendations.
Early this year in January Scientists announced a breakthrough in work towards developing a 'universal' flu vaccine. Using the same messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology that's been used in several COVID-19 vaccines, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania were able to develop a vaccine against all the 20 known influenza A and B virus subtypes.
In initial tests, the experimental vaccine provided broad protection against strains that could otherwise be lethal. The researchers behind the work say it could one day help as a general preventative measure against future flu pandemics.