Interim Estimates of 2018-19 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness --- United States, February 2019

Published on February 14, 2019

On the basis of data from the U.S. Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network on 3,254 children and adults with acute respiratory illness during November 23, 2018-February 2, 2019, the overall estimated effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing medically attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection was 47%.

Other news

Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms and Response Among Adults --- United States, 2008, 2014, and 2017

February 7, 2019
Analysis of National Health Interview Survey data for 2008, 2014, and 2017 found that knowledge of the five common symptoms of a heart attack and the appropriate emergency response increased significantly (from 40% to 50% and from 92% to 95%, respectively); however, sociodemographic disparities in knowledge persist.

Public Health Emergency Risk Communication and Social Media Reactions to an Errant Warning of a Ballistic Missile Threat --- Hawaii, January 2018

February 21, 2019
After an errant ballistic missile alert in Hawaii on January 13, 2018, social media reactions revealed how the public interprets, shares, and responds to an evolving threat. The lack of clear direction after this errant alert highlighted gaps in messaging that resulted in confusion, anxiety, and panic.