Flu vaccination for this year has preliminarily shown effectiveness of up to 78% in preventing hospitalizations among children.
The current flu season, marking 15 years of significant activity, has seen a mixed response to this year's flu shots. For kids and teens, the vaccines have shown at least 63% effectiveness against flu hospitalizations, with some regions reporting up to 78% effectiveness [1]. However, the level of effectiveness for this age group has varied, with 32%, 59%, and 60% reported in three different networks, and for adults, it has been 36% and 54% in two networks [1].
The FDA advisory panel meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025, to determine next season's flu shot strains has been cancelled, as reported by Reuters. This sudden cancellation could potentially disrupt the carefully timed planning and production cycle for flu shots, as the meeting usually guides the FDA's strain selection for the U.S. market [1]. The absence of the advisory panel's usual public endorsement may raise questions about the rigor of strain selection or public confidence, but vaccine manufacturers generally proceed with production once strains are chosen internally [1].
The U.S. relies on the World Health Organization (WHO) meeting to guide its strain selection, although the FDA can make its own selection for America's vaccines if it chooses [1]. The WHO meeting typically takes place to discuss and endorse the influenza vaccine composition for the upcoming season, but this year's meeting has been unaffected by the Trump administration's stated intention to withdraw from the WHO [2].
The cancellation of the FDA advisory panel meeting has raised concerns about scientific oversight, transparency, and potential delays or uncertainty in vaccine strain selection. Despite this disruption, flu vaccines with updated strains are expected to be available for the fall 2025 season, as both the WHO and the FDA typically coordinate on strain recommendations and vaccine production proceeds based on surveillance data from WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System [1].
This year's flu shots have reduced hospitalizations for seasonal influenza, and they have also reduced the likelihood of outpatient visits for flu [1]. However, a subtype of flu known as H3N2 may explain why the shots have not been as protective against pediatric outpatient visits this season, according to a report [3]. Adults' protection, on the other hand, appears to be slightly higher for both types of health care this season [1].
Flu shot production involves growing viruses in chicken eggs, which takes time, according to NBC [4]. The U.S. is currently experiencing its most active flu season in 15 years, and the fate of next season's flu shots remains uncertain due to the cancellation of the FDA advisory panel meeting [1]. Time will tell if the FDA's vaccine advisers will meet as usual, allowing a window of time for public comment, or if strain selection might otherwise proceed without the meeting [5].
It's important to note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. For personal health concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025). Cancellation of FDA Advisory Panel Meeting Disrupts Flu Shot Planning. [2] STAT. (2024). Trump Administration's WHO Withdrawal Does Not Affect Participation in Flu Shot Meetings. [3] NBC. (2025). Flu Shot Production Takes Time and May Be Less Protective for Some Kids. [4] Reuters. (2025). FDA Advisory Panel Meeting for Next Season's Flu Shots Cancelled. [5] The Washington Post. (2025). Uncertainty Surrounds Next Season's Flu Shots Amidst Cancellation of FDA Advisory Panel Meeting.
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