The CDC reports that the 2017/18 flu vaccine had an efficacy percentage of 36%.

According to the CDC, from October 1, 2017 to April 21, 2018 there were a total of 160 children died of flu related deaths. Additionally, there were 30,064 flu related hospitalizations. The highest rate of hospitalization occurred among adults 65 years and older.

Even when the flu shot is just 20% effective it can still reduce US doctor visits due to illness by an estimated 20 million in a single year, the new report published in the scientific journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States) finds.

Ultimately, the vaccine provide protection to a significant number of people and reduces healthcare costs significantly.