CDC Director Rochelle Walensky Says Flu Shots are “Very Good Match” for This Year’s Strains

On Monday, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rochelle Walensky told reporters that the updated flu shots appear to be “a very good match” for this year’s strains of influenza.

“We look in real time as to how well we think the influenza match is to what’s circulating. And right now, the good news is that it looks like it is a very good match,” said Walensky at a briefing.

The CDC reported that their updated vaccination performed well in animal trials this year.

“The CDC reported on Friday that most of the viruses tested so far this season are similar to the strains that were picked out by officials for this year’s updated vaccines. Using antibodies from ferrets, the agency said almost all samples they tested “were well recognized” by the animals’ immune responses,” according to CBS.

“Almost every sample tested by public health laboratories around the country so far this year have been from the Influenza A type of virus. Only 0.1% were Influenza B. All viruses tested so far this season have also been susceptible to the four antiviral treatments that are currently recommended for flu patients,” the outlet added.

During a briefing on Monday, experts expressed alarm over the early season flu outbreak and urged people to get flu shots and the COVID-19 vaccine in preparation for the upcoming holiday season and colder weather.

“The rise in cases and hospitalizations is especially worrisome as we move into the winter months, when more people are assembling indoors, with less ventilation, and as we approach the holiday season, where many are gathering with loved ones across multiple generations,” Walensky said.

“I want to emphasize that the flu vaccine can be life-saving and importantly there is still time to get vaccinated to be protected against flu this season,” she added.

“The CDC chief shared updated levels of “flu-like illness,” including fevers, coughs and sore throats, claiming that this week illness had reach a “high” or “very high” level in 47 jurisdictions of the country,” according to the Hill.

“Last week found “high” or “very high” levels of flu in 36 jurisdictions, indicating a large increase in cases this week,” the outlet reported.

How about that, all of a sudden, the flu season is back.

Check out the flu case numbers from the beginning of Covid-19 in 2020 and this year, during week 47.

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