Health Officials Expect Flu Shots to be More Effective

Marion County health officials expect flu vaccines to be much more effective this year compared to a year ago.

Janet Crigler, the infection preventionist at Fairmont Regional Medical Center, tells the Times West Virginia the flu shot was not as effective last year as it was in previous years. Crigler says the flu shot was only 23 percent effective because the virus mutated and the vaccine did not cover some strains of the virus.

Crigler says she believes vaccine shots will be much more effective this year, although there is never a guarantee.

According to the newspaper, one case of the flu has been confirmed in Marion County and 61 cases of influenza-like illnesses have been reported since the start of the flu season.