Flu deaths in the State of Indiana now stand at 61, as health officials now say the flu vaccine may not have been as effective as previously thought.
State health officials said Friday there's been three additional deaths in the past week attributable to flu-like illnesses, adding statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control now say this season's flu vaccine is less effective that earlier thought.
The vaccine has a 56% overall effectiveness rate for children and adults up to age 64. For those 65 and older, the vaccine is only 9% effective.
State Health Commissioner William VanNess says no flu vaccine can be perfect - but it's still the best method for preventing the flu.