Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
The Flu Vaccine Will Offer Better Protection This Year, CDC Says
NPR: CDC Says Flu Vaccine Should Be More Effective This Season
Last year's flu vaccine didn't work very well. This year's version should do a much better job protecting people against the flu, federal health officials said Thursday. An analysis of the most common strains of flu virus that are circulating in the United States and elsewhere found they match the strains included in this year's vaccine, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. (Stein, 9/17)
Reuters: Flu Shots For Adults Under 65 May Boost Protection For Seniors
When healthy adults under age 65 get a flu shot to protect themselves, they may be helping older adults in their communities avoid the flu as well, according to a new analysis of nationwide U.S. data. The odds of having a flu-related illness were 21 percent lower among seniors living in counties with the highest flu vaccination rates among people 18 to 64 years old, compared to seniors living in counties with the lowest rates, researchers found. (Stephenson, 9/17)
The Associated Press: Things To Know About The Flu Shot: Lots Of Options This Year
Give flu vaccine another chance: This year's version got a recipe change that should make it more effective after last winter's misery from a nasty surprise strain of virus. Don't let a fear of needles stop you. Beyond the traditional shots, the squeamish for the first time could try a needle-free injection, or choose the nasal spray or tiny skin-deep needles that have been around for a while. (Neergaard, 9/17)
