More effective influenza vaccination this year

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – This year's influenza vaccine has been proven to be more effective than last year's vaccine.

The CDC found that the influenza vaccine reduced the risk of influenza-related illness by 47%. This is up 36% last year. Nancy Edwards, infection prevention specialist, said that even if they do not see a serious problem with the flu, it is always good to get vaccinated.

"If you do not want to have the flu, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot, it's ideal to get it in October, but it's not too late yet," he said. Edwards said. "You can still vaccinate against the flu even in January and now – as long as the flu season continues, it is recommended that you get vaccinated."

The flu season ends on Friday, May 31 this year.