Flu cases on the rise as doctors renew calls for vaccinations

BOSTON — Massachusetts residents might remember what the flu feels like, but it’s not necessarily translating into prevention efforts

The latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services, shows the vaccination rate for one group of Medicare beneficiaries at 21 percent in Massachusetts despite no shortage of places to get the shots.

“It concerns me. This is the time when we all should be vaccinated,” Dr. Martin Hirsch said.

Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said getting vaccinated remains the most powerful way to keep the flu at bay.

“Even in the good years it's only about 60 to 70 percent effective, but even those who get the flu after getting the vaccine tend to have milder cases,” he said.

In some parts of New England the CDC is already seeing an uptick in flu cases, but the worst is likely still to come as the holidays approach.

But, Hirsch told FOX25, it’s not too late to get the flu shot. It takes about two week for full protection after a vaccination.

Cox Media Group