Flu shot reduces hospitalization risk by 35% in vulnerable groups, CDC reports

Data from the Southern Hemisphere indicate that this year's flu shot reduces hospitalization risk by 35% among high-risk groups, according to a report from the CDC published on October 3. The study analyzed data from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Between mid-March and mid-July, over 11,700 hospitalized patients were studied, with about 3,850 testing positive for the flu. The vaccine was found to be particularly effective, lowering hospitalization risk by nearly 59% for adults with medical conditions, 39% for young children, and 31% for older adults. While trends from the Southern Hemisphere may not always predict Northern Hemisphere outcomes, the findings suggest similar protection levels could be expected from the 2024-25 flu vaccine. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and older.