How effective is the flu vaccine?

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The CDC says this year's flu vaccine works about half the time.

How well the vaccine works varies from year to year, and experts say it is still the best protection we have against the virus.

The latest studies show the 2012 flu vaccine is fifty-six percent effective.

Among elderly adults, a group hit particularly hard this year, the flu shot was less than ten percent effective against the influenza "a" strain. 

According to Dr, Thomas Frieden, Director at CDC, "It seems that this year's flu vaccine is not nearly as effective as we would like for people over age 65 for one particular strain of flu. That's why early treatment is so important."

CDC experts say any elderly adult going to the doctor with flu symptoms should start anti-viral drugs, like tamiflu, immediately. 

Starting treatment within forty-eight hours from the start of symptoms can lower the risk for severe illness.