Vaccine efficacy (VE) data were obtained from the March CDC Weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report. VE was calculated using data from 3,363 children and adults with acute respiratory infection (ARI) enrolled in the US Influenza Vaccine Efficiency Network at seven different study sites in the United States from October 2021 to February 2022. Only 16 observed % of the 2021-22 seasonal flu vaccine to protect the US population from infection with the most common influenza virus on the market today, A (H3N2). More specifically, the VE against mild to moderate ARI associated with influenza A (H3N2) virus in outpatients receiving medical care was 16%, which was not significantly effective. Furthermore, VE versus outpatients with medically monitored influenza A virus-associated ARI was even less significantly effective in 14%. The low efficacy of the vaccine in the most common influenza strain on the market is particularly worrying, as the influenza A (H3N2) virus mutates faster and usually leads to more hospitalizations and deaths, supporting the argument for ongoing diagnostic tests for influenza and antiviral drugs. to mitigate its spread and consequent health complications. While the numbers may sound alarming, flu activity in the US this fall and winter was significantly lower than traditionally observed. This can be largely attributed to the increase in Covid-19 Omicron cases in the winter of 2021 leading up to 2022, which forced people to wear face masks again and apply social distance and hand washing – all precautionary measures to be taken to reduce the spread of influenza viruses. Despite the low FE this season, the CDC continues to recommend the flu vaccine, as more and more evidence suggests serious outcomes and complications, such as hospitalization, ICU admission and possible death, in those infected with the virus. influenza A (H3N2), can be prevented with an influenza vaccine. In addition, influenza vaccination can reduce the incidence of infection with other influenza viruses that may enter the mainstream later, such as A (H1N1) pdm09 and B viruses. Related Companies Ika-Werke Drug Processing Technology and Laboratory Equipment