Flu vaccines may not offer as much protection against the virus as experts have been telling us.

We’ve heard from public health officials that this year’s vaccine is a good match because it contains the strains of flu that are making people ill.

But a study done for the U-S Centers for Disease Control shows that this year’s shot reduces the risk of catching the flu by only about 62 per cent.

Health officials once said the vaccine cut the risk of infection by between 70 and 90 per cent, they now say it’s more like 50 to 70 per cent.

Flu experts say the study shows better vaccines are needed, but in the meantime the available shots should offer decent protection.