Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that troops can now choose whether to get the flu vaccine, rather than being required to receive it each year, The Associated Press reported. In a video posted on social media, Hegseth said "the notion that ...

Despite reassuring vaccine effectiveness data, uptake has remained low

Vaccine effectiveness was generally higher in younger children younger than 8 years, at 63% in the 2023-2024 season, than among older children (48% during the same season). Effectiveness also varied by circulating strain. Protection overall was the highest against influenza B (69%), followed by A/H1N1 (53%), and A/H3N2 (43%).

A recent study revealed that this year’s flu season winds down, providing an essential takeaway for parents.The flu shot assisted protect kids from major illness during recent, more severe seasons, as per research published in the