2025-26 H3N2 drift yields low flu VE; high-dose cuts Alzheimer’s 55% in 65+; AAP peds comms
Key Questions
What was the flu vaccine effectiveness (VE) for the 2025-26 season?
MMWR reports outpatient VE at 22-41% for adults and 30-31% for hospitalizations, with mismatch issues. Effectiveness was worse in adults 65+ and long-term care settings.
How does high-dose flu vaccine benefit seniors regarding Alzheimer's?
UTHealth/Neurology study found high-dose flu vaccine reduced Alzheimer's risk by 55% in 65+ compared to 40% with standard dose. This reinforces recommendations for adjuvanted/high-dose vaccines in seniors.
Does flu vaccination protect against heart attacks and strokes?
Danish data shows flu vaccination cuts post-infection risks of AMI and stroke by 50%, even after breakthrough infections. It supports flu vaccine bundles for diabetes and heart disease prevention.
What is the AAP's stance on pediatric flu communications?
The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses pediatric communications amid child flu deaths. This occurs as flu cases wane overall.
What broader recommendations exist for seniors and flu prevention?
High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are reinforced for 65+, along with respiratory bundles for diabetes and heart conditions. Flu is waning, but prior low VE prompts stronger measures.
MMWR: Outpatient VE 22-41% adults, 30-31% hosp mismatch; worse 65+/LTC; UTHealth/Neurology hd flu 55% Alzheimer cut vs 40% std; Danish data: flu vax cuts post-inf AMI/stroke 50%; AAP stresses peds comms amid deaths; flu waning; reinforces senior adjuv/hd resp bundles/diabetes heart.