Northeast Ohio public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against flu and other respiratory viruses, even though early reports suggest this year’s flu shot may not be a perfect match for all strains.

Flu infections remain low in the region, but public health officials report cases typically rise after Thanksgiving and peak in December.

Early signs indicate a new H3N2 strain circulating in Canada and Japan isn’t fully covered by this year’s vaccine.

“Even when there are these changes, we really see a significant decrease in hospitalization as well as deaths in people who do receive the vaccine,” said Dr. Erica Sobolewski, Summit County’s medical director.

She said the shot may not fully prevent mild illness, but it remains the best tool to protect young children, older

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