Below average this year? Yes. But should you still get vaccinated? You bet!

In conclusion, it is important to remember that although this year’s vaccine effectiveness is below average, it still represents a significant reduction in the risk of obtaining and spreading infection. Vulnerable populations are at risk of hospitalization and even death without vaccination programs. If more of the general population is vaccinated, the greater the protection to those in vulnerable populations \cite{vaccinea,vaccine,recombinant}. It is also import to note that these data sets were compiled from an interim report, and end of season estimates will be available later in the year  \cite{effectiveness,Flannery2018}.

Could influenza be eradicated?

There is one infectious disease which has been eradicated on a global scale: smallpox. Let’s take a look at why we were able to eradicate smallpox and compare this to influenza.

How does influenza compare to the characteristics of smallpox?

Given these characteristics, it is unlikely influenza will be eradicated in the near future. However, there are promising areas of research committed to designing more effective vaccines and hopefully this will decrease hospitalisations, deaths, and time away from work due to influenza.  

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