The CDC estimate of current vaccine effectiveness (VE) against influenza A (H3N2) viruses is 25%, as of Feb. 3. Effectiveness is even higher for all influenza viruses, with an estimated VE of 36%, indicating that the flu vaccine reduced a person’s risk of having to seek medical care at a doctor’s office for flu illness by 36% ( MMWR. 2018;67:180-5 ).
While the FDA usually follows the recommendations of its panel members, it is not obligated to do so. None of the committee members disclosed relevant financial conflicts of interest.