Effectiveness of flu vaccine on elderly questioned

Mike Osterholm
Mike Osterholm, with the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
MPR Photo/Tom Scheck

A growing body of research shows that the influenza vaccine does not help reduce flu deaths among the elderly. That runs contrary to conventional medical wisdom that recommended flu shots especially older people and children.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dr. Mike Osterholm. He directs the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Yesterday he told a conference of vaccine researchers that a big part of the nation's strategy for preventing the flu isn't working.

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