Bell, Levine Comment to NBC5 on Rising Flu Rates, Decreasing Vaccination Rates
Against a background of increasing rates of flu in Vermont, Rebecca Bell, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, and Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D., professor of medicine, noted decreasing vaccination rates in an NBC5 interview.
“We are seeing a reduced vaccination rate among all Vermonters this season compared to the last three seasons,” said Bell, “and that may be playing a part in what we're seeing in the hospital.”
“In 2024, our vaccination rate for flu vaccine statewide, all ages, all comers was 40 percent,” Levine said. “At this year at this point in time, we’re about 34 percent.”
Experts say the flu spreads easily and quickly and that even small steps, like washing your hands, can help prevent you from getting the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is important to prevent serious illnesses and to shorten the duration of the illness.