An 11-Year-Old Boy Died of Flu Complications Despite Getting the Vaccine — How Does That Happen?

Photo: Family Handout

An 11-year-old boy in New York died on Saturday from flu-related complications, despite getting the seasonal flu vaccine.

Luca Calanni, who just turned 11 last month, was otherwise healthy beforecontracting the fluearlier in January. His death raises questions about whether the vaccine will actuallyprotect against the flu in the 2019-2020 season.

Influenza B is also less common overall than influenza A, meaning that people likely have built up fewer antibodies to fight this B strain. This is particularly true for children, who have less exposure to any strains of the flu during their shorter lifespans.

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People need to keep in mind, though, that it is still possible to get the flu after getting the vaccine and to watch out for symptoms.

And people should know that there is always a risk that they will die from the flu.

source: people.com