As we move further into flu season, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) is concerned that more people have not received the flu vaccine this year. As of early November, only approximately two out of five people in the United States reported having gotten the flu vaccine. Although coverage is low, this rate is similar to last year’s rate reported in the beginning of flu season. Specifically, a CDC survey revealed that 37 percent of children between 6 months and 17 years of age have received the flu vaccine and approximately 41 percent of adults aged 18 and older received the vaccine this season.
What is more concerning to the CDC is that the vaccination rate among adults aged 50 and older is running three percent less this year than the same period last year. While it is too early to tell whether the vaccination rate among older adults will rebound as the flu season progresses, the CDC is definitely keeping a watchful eye on this trend. According to a CDC report released December 9, 2016, last season’s influenza vaccine prevented about 5 million individuals from catching the flu and 71,000 individuals from ending up hospitalized due to influenza. While the vast majority of those who receive the flu vaccine experience no adverse reaction, adverse reactions to the flu shot do occur. If you think you or someone you know has been injured by a vaccine, compensation for the injury may be available. To find out if you qualify to file a case under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program click here and let flu vaccine attorneys answer your questions.