Today a news report from AP suggested that the leading vaccine for humans stimulates a protective immune response in fewer than half of the patients involved in clinical trials. A March 2006 report in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that as many as 54% of patients would benefit from the vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness is assessed by measuring the antibodies patients develop against H5N1.

This level of effectiveness should be compared to seasonal flu vaccines, which protect 75-90% of vaccinated adults younger than 65.

Simulations for vaccine utilization by communities or medical facilities should take into account this effectiveness level when modeling the effects of vaccinating health workers, first responders, military personnel and other critical personnel.