Flu vaccine proves effective in South America, offering hope for US hospitalizations

Early data from South America shows that the flu vaccine has reduced the risk of hospitalization by 52% this year, providing hope that it will offer similar protection in the United States as it enters its own respiratory virus season. The data, based on about 3,000 hospitalized patients, indicate that the vaccine is effective in high-risk groups. The specific virus strains detected in the US align with those in South America, suggesting a positive outlook for vaccine protection in the Northern Hemisphere. While Covid-19 remains dominant, the CDC warns of rising RSV and flu levels in the fall. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, and is launching a campaign to increase confidence in the vaccine.