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Interim Estimates of 2019–20 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness — United States, February 2020

Author/s: 
Dawood, FS, Chung, JR, Kim, SS, Zimmerman, RK, Nowalk, MP, Jackson, ML, Jackson, LA, Monto, AS, Martin, ET, Belongia, EA, McLean, HQ, Gaglani, M, Dunnigan, K, Foust, A, Sessions, W, DaSilva, J, Le, S, Stark, T, Kondor, RJ, Barnes, JR, Wentworth, DE, Brammer, L, Fry, AM, Patel, MM, Flannery, B
Date Added: 
February 20, 2020
Journal/Publication: 
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Publisher: 
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Publication Date: 
February 21, 2020
Issue: 
7
Volume: 
69
Pages: 
177-182
URL: 
Interim Estimates of 2019–20 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness — United States, February 2020
Type: 
Public Health Announcements
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.15585/mmwr.mm6907a1
Keywords 
influenza
Flu vaccines
effectiveness

RPR Commentary

The flu vaccine appears to be about 45% effective for preventing the flu this year. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

What is already known about this topic?

Annual vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for all U.S. persons aged ≥6 months. Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine varies by season.

What is added by this report?

According to data from the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network on 4,112 children and adults with acute respiratory illness during October 23, 2019–January 25, 2020, the overall estimated effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection was 45%.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Vaccination remains the best way to protect against influenza and its potentially serious complications. CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination while influenza viruses are circulating in the community.

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