Flu Shot Surprise: New Study Raises Questions

A recent study from the Cleveland Clinic has revealed surprising results about the 2024-2025 flu vaccine. The findings suggest that the vaccine not only failed to protect people but may have increased their chances of catching the flu.

Study Overview

• Lead Researcher: Dr. Nabin K. Shrestha
• Participants: Over 53,000 employees across Ohio
• Timeframe: October 2024 to March 2025

Key Findings

• 82.1% of participants received the flu shot.
• 1,079 people tested positive for the flu, with most cases being influenza A.
• Vaccinated individuals were 27% more likely to get the flu compared to those who were not vaccinated.
• Researchers accounted for factors like age, job type, and work location to ensure accuracy.

Testing and Susceptibility

• Vaccinated employees were more likely to get tested, but the proportion of positive tests was similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
• This suggests that the higher infection rate was not due to testing differences but actual increased susceptibility.

Study Population

• Mean age: 42
• 75% female
• 20% worked in clinical nursing roles

Conclusion

The study concluded that the flu shot did not provide protective benefits during the 2024-2025 flu season and may have increased the risk of infection when flu activity was high.

This study challenges the common belief that flu shots are always beneficial and raises important questions about their effectiveness and potential risks.