A more effective flu vaccine is available in Des Moines

State of play: The new mRNA flu vaccine has shown it's more effective than your traditional flu shot, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• In a clinical trial of more than 40,000 adults, the vaccine reduced the risk of flu by about 27% compared with a standard flu shot.

• Side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches. These were more common with the mRNA vaccine but were considered mild.
• In the Des Moines area, the new shot is available at CVS pharmacies and Costco.

Zoom in: Only 34% of Polk County residents got their flu shot last season, continuing a decline seen in previous years across Iowa, according to data from HHS.

Reality check: If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now's a good time. Early signs suggest flu season is starting sooner than in recent years.

• About 3.6% of flu tests came back positive in early October, compared with just 0.6% at the same point last year, according to CDC data.
• Additional data, including outpatient reports, suggests flu activity is on the rise.

The big picture: Health officials also recommend staying up to date on COVID-19 and RSV immunizations.