A few things are different for the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season, including:
- The composition of flu vaccines has been updated.
- For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
- The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season. For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated. Vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most adults but can be considered for some groups. While ideally it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season.
- The age indication for the cell culture-based inactivated flu vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), changed from 2 years and older to 6 months and older.
- Pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots for children are not expected to be available this season. However, children can receive this vaccine from a multidose vial at the recommended dose.
What is the CDCs recommendation for getting a flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 flu season?
I don’t have a primary care provider. Where can I get a flu vaccine?
If you don’t have a health care provider you regularly see, you can find flu vaccines at many places, including health departments and pharmacies.
Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time?
Studies conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that it is safe to get both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit. A recent CDC study published in JAMA suggests people who received a flu vaccine and an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time were slightly more likely (8% to 11%) to report systemic reactions including fatigue, headache, and muscle ache than people who only received a COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine, but these reactions were mostly mild and resolved quickly.
Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more Q&As, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm
