Elderly Unprotected by Flu Vaccine

Around December of last year, the flu season began. The flu causes problems for us during the end of the year, but the vaccine for the flu has helped us through the difficult seasons we face. This year, however, was not such a good one, especially for elderly people. This flu season, the vaccine for the flu was not as helpful to us, especially for people who are over the age of 65. Dr. Thomas Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that this years flu vaccine,  "—is not nearly as effective as we would like among most people over the age of 65 for one particular strain of the flu, and that's why early treatment is important." I think everyone would certainly agree with Dr. Frieden. Most doctors offices and pharmacies, give the flu vaccine shot out early in the year, and for free in some places. The strain that Dr. Frieden spoke of, is an H3N2 flu strain, which has been the most dominant with the influenza virus, and was especially hard on the elderly. According to hospital reports, among people over 65, 146 out of 100,000 were hospitalized for the flu, compared to the rate of 36 out 100,000 of last year. Children that are 6 months and older, are recommended by the CDC to receive the vaccine.
We all know what the influenza virus comes with. Headaches, fever, itchy and stopped up noses, etc. Not most people want to go through that, I would think. Dr. Frieden also says that "This season has been worse than average and particularly severe to the elderly. Although it's far from perfect, the flu vaccination is by far the best tool we have to protect from the flu." Authorities have stated that the vaccine was effective to adults and children by 62%, but by the day, it keeps falling. Thursday's report said that it the vaccine was effective by 56%. The vaccine itself, is a good match for the most common viruses of the flu circulating, the vaccine was 47% effective of protection against the H3N2 virus, which is the main virus to the influenza. Frieden himself, says that "We simply need a better vaccine against influenza, one that works better and lasts longer,". The Department of Health and Human Services, are working to find a better, and stronger vaccine as we speak. I can relate to this story, because right now, my uncle is at home, with the virus. He has the vaccine, but it didn't work very sufficient for him. He has been bedridden to the couch for about a week now. Officials say that the worst of this years flu season is over, and that flu cases are declining. But, they still hope that we can be better prepared for next years flu season, as this one comes to a peaceful end.

This information provided from the article "Flu vaccine less effective, especially among elderly", from the CNN website.