Before every flu season, millions of flu shots are administered to the elderly taking the necessary precautions to avoid catching the virus. But the latest findings for the 2012-13 season by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that vaccinations aren't helping elderly patients as much as in the past.
In a report released on Friday, the CDC said that for patients 65-years or older who had flu shots the vaccine had an effectiveness rate of 27 percent, a drop from last year's rate of 36 percent. In contrast, for the population as a whole the effectiveness rate this year was 56%, which has been the average in recent years.
For the elderly the effectiveness rate drops further against more potent strains of the virus, the report says. Against the H3N2, the effectiveness rate fell to 9 percent. A big difference when compared to the 47 percent for the general population. Officials said the low effectiveness rate against H3N2 has also shown in European findings and implies that more work needs to be done to strengthen the vaccine.
But CDC officials still advise the elderly to get vaccinated annually.
"Nonetheless, this finding should not discourage future vaccination by persons aged 65 years (or older) , who are at greater risk for more severe cases and complications from influenza," the report said. "Influenza vaccines remain the best preventive tool available."
Data was based on findings from 2,697 children and adults enrolled in the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network during December 3, 2012 through January 19, 2013. Officials noted in the report that data for people 65-years and older was subject to a small sample and could be revised.
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