The 2018-2019 influenza season is one such case. The vaccine’s effectiveness during that year was an abysmal 29%, according to the CDC. But a 2020 study found the shot still prevented an estimated 4.4 million infections, 58,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in the U.S.

The influenza vaccine does not increase one's risk of getting the virus -- nor does it permanently damage the immune and nervous systems, contrary to claims in a clip circulating online. The shots have a proven safety record and health experts recommend vaccination to prevent illness,

Data from the Southern Hemisphere hint that this year's flu shot lowers the risk of hospitalization among vulnerable demographics.

As the Southern Hemisphere's flu season comes to a close, new data reveals that this year's flu vaccine was 34.5% effective in preventing hospitalization for individuals infected with influenza. According to the U.