How effective is the vaccine and how long will its effects last?
Last updated: Wednesday, July 12, 2006
In the event of exposure, the ‘flu vaccine prevents ‘flu in up to 90% of young adults, but in only 30-40 percent of the elderly.
However, it does reduce severe disease in the elderly, thus decreasing hospitalisation, and reduces the risk of death by 80 percent.
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The ‘flu vaccine is effective for eight to 12 months. This is one reason why it has to be repeated every year. (The other is because of the changing ‘flu strains.)
Reviewed (2006) by Dr Jane Yeats MBChB, BSc(Med)(Hons)Biochem, FCPathSA(Virology).
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