U.S. Flu Vaccine Plentiful: CDC

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But even if that's the case, Bresee said, "this year's vaccine is by far the best prevention method."

Usually, there are three strains of flu virus present in the United States, Bresee said. "Even if there is a mismatch, you are protected very well against the other two types," he said. "Even if you are infected or exposed to one of the strains that the vaccine is not matched well against, there will be some protection against it."

According to the CDC, the 2007-08 flu season is just beginning, and nationwide, influenza activity is very low, with only two states reporting local activity.

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In the United States, flu season can begin as early as October and continue through May. Each year, on average, from 5 percent to 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza, resulting in 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations from flu-related complications, the CDC said.

On Monday, actress Jennifer Garner will join with the CDC and the American Lung Association to help kick off the National Influenza Immunization Initiative, in New York City.

More information

For more on flu and flu vaccine, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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