Have the makers of flu vaccines ever guessed the correct strain?

Let me start off saying I'm not a vaccine conspiracy nut. However, I read once again the flu vaccine isn't very effective for the flu strains commonly going around this year. That this years flu strains are very virulent and hard hitting. (Which I can attest to.) Just as last year. The year before that, and the year before that. Preceded by the year before that. So on and so on.
Has there been any year anyone knows of with a flu vaccine that has been effective for the strains being found?

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Newandimproved · 61-69, M

just read an article (based on your question - thanks) that the vaccines range between 40 and 60 per cent effectiveness.

average it out and it's 50-50 - soooo

don't know if you'll catch it or not - there are 4 strains and they mutate

but 50-50 is a lot better odds than the lottery

and getting the flu is bad business - especially at my age

MethDozer · M

@Newandimproved I get that. That's still some shit odds. Think they can do better.

I've also read that those averages are the effectiveness on the vaccine's effectiveness on the strain it is designed for. Not the average for them guessing the correct strain.

Newandimproved · 61-69, M

@MethDozer yeah, I wish it were as effective as other virus vaccines.

we can wipe out polio and measles - why not the flu?

indyjoe · 56-60, M

I was going to say...they do they best they can. Flu viruses mutate so by the time they have vaccine ready there is already another strand, so there is unfortunately only partial protection (which is better than none at all). Let me say here too while I've got your attention....this is for those who won't get a flu shot because they believe they'll get sick. It's a dead virus that is used, it cannot possibly make you sick. Anyone who got the flu after getting the shot was already exposed to it before hand and getting sick was/is just a coincidence. Thought you'd just like to know that. Stay well.

MethDozer · M

@indyjoe I honestly don't think they do. I think they do "good enough to put on the shelf".

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