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Novakru is right about the flu vaccine. It is developed to protect against a strain or strains of the influenza vaccine.
It's obviously formulated prior to the current "flu season" based on what is predicted to be the likely or problematic strains of virus that year. So it won't cover you for "coughs and colds" and it won't cover all possible strains of influenza. Also, because the virus does mutate frequently, the immunisation is probably only going to be of any use for one year.
The immunisation is made up of inactivated (dead) influenza virus. It's too late to get vaccinated once you have influenza.
Vaccination (depending on where you live) is usually recommended for various groups including: the elderly, those with chronic illness (eg chronic lung disease) and health care workers.
I don't get influenza vaccination, but some people find it helpful. Probably a good idea for some people to get it (see above).
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