The results are in for the preliminary results for the 2017-2018 flu shot.

According to the Euroseurveillance Journal the preliminary effectiveness of the flu shot left people wanting.

In 2017, influenza seasonal activity was high in the southern hemisphere. We present interim influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates from Australia. Adjusted VE was low overall at 33% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17%-46%), 50% (95% CI: 8% - 74%) for A(H1)pdm09, 10% (95% CI: -16% to 31%) for A(H3) and 57% (95% CI:** 41% - 69%**) for influenza B. For A(H3), VE was poorer for those vaccinated in the current and prior seasons. [1]

So the vaccine does appear to be having a positive effect overall but you have less then a coin flip percent of a chance of benefiting from it.

Out of the 3 subtypes the A(H3) strain appears to not have a significant effect while the A(H1)pdm09 barley maintains its significance with 8% effectiveness at the lower end of the 95% confidence interval. The 66% spread shows that there are inconsistent results with the A(H1)pdm09 strain. This leaves only the influenza B strain showing any significant promise for protection but still only slightly better odds of a coin flip for protection.

The general attitude of the population is to get the flu shot and then you are done. The above statistics should make people rethink that approach. Being exposed to the flu doesn't guarantee that you are going to get it. Your immune system needs to first be compromised enough to allow the infection to take place.

If you are looking for increased insurance against the flu the natural health field has a number of options for supporting your immune system against all the different bacteria and viruses that can produce cold like illness rather then just focusing on the flu.

A health professional with training in natural remedies such as a Naturopathic Doctor, Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner, or Homeopath are your best options for professional advice on improving your immune defenses safely and effectively.

People with autoimmune conditions should be extra cautious to make sure that the herbs or supplements they are taking are not stimulating their immunity to the point of aggravating there inflammatory condition.

Reference

1. PMID 29090681
Picture from pixabay same for picture 2