Current flu vaccine found to be 30% effective in reducing adult hospitalizations, 41% for children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report March 12 on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 flu season, finding that it reduced the risk of medical visits 22%-34% and hospitalizations by 30% for all adults. Effectiveness was higher for children and adolescents, with a 38%-41% reduction in medical visits and a 41% reduction in hospitalizations. The CDC said most flu viruses this season were type A (H3N2) subclade K strains, which were different from the strain chosen for this season's vaccine. As of Feb. 21, less than half of U.S. adults and children received a flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 season, the CDC said.