The 2018-2019 flu season is less severe than past years, and the flu vaccine is more effective.
That's according to new data released by the CDC.
The agency announced this week that flu activity across the U.S. is elevated, with the season still expected to continue for several more weeks.
But the success of the vaccineso far appears to be better than recent seasons, with a 47 percent effectiveness rate overall.
How much protection the flu shot offers against the virus depends on your age. The vaccine has a 61 percent effectiveness rate this season for children 17 and under, and a 24 percent effectiveness rate for adults 50 and older.
For some context, last year's vaccine was about 40 percent effective overall.
You might also remember that the 2017-2018 flu season was one of the deadliest in decades, with 80,000 flu-related deaths last winter.
Federal health regulators worked to make this year's flu shot a better match for the viruses likely to be circulating. The nasal spray vaccine was also brought back as an option.
Even though the current season is well underway, the CDC says it's not too late to get vaccinated. It recommends the flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older, noting that vaccination reduces the risk of pediatric influenza-related deaths.
Flu season typically runs from October through May.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
