What To Know About The 2022-2023 Flu Season & Vaccines

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By Yhordan Serpentini | September 28, 2022

Before the discovery and outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), the Influenza (Flu) virus typically shows an increase in activity at the beginning of the fall season with a peak in February. According to the CDC, during the 2021-2022 season, the influenza virus showed an interesting change of activity, with an increase beginning in November and remaining at an elevated peak up until mid-June (p. 913).

With the annual emergence of the flu season, once more, the CDC is surveilling the virus with updates on what to know about the 2022-2023 flu season & vaccines.

What To Know About The 2022-2023 Flu Season & Vaccines

The 2022-2023 Influenza Vaccines

Every year, a new wave of Influenza A+B vaccines are released to the public, and the cycle continues for this season. There are three vaccines authorized by the FDA already available for you to receive. You can choose from either the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, the Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, or the Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.

Although it is recommended for all individuals of all ages to receive the Influenza A+B vaccine, it is preferentially insisted by the CDC that all individuals aged 65 or older receive their Flu vaccine for 2022-2023 as soon as possible. According to the CDC, September and October are great periods to receive the vaccination for individuals that only need one dosage (2022-2023 Flu FAQ). The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to develop immunity, so make sure you’re vaccinated at least two weeks prior to any domestic or international travels!

Additionally, children as young as six months can receive their vaccine, though it will be through a multidose vial at the recommended dosage as the pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots are not expected to be available for children this season (2022-2023 Flu FAQ).

The 2022-2023 vaccine is also available for free!

What Viruses Will The Flu Vaccine Protect Against?

There is a multitude of different Influenza viruses, and it will infinitely continue to change as the different strands mutate into new Influenza viruses. That being said, receiving your 2022-2023 flu vaccination will protect you against the Influenza A(h3n2) virus and the Influenza B(Victoria lineage) virus.

Additionally, the CDC has listed recommendations for egg-based and cell-based recombinant flu vaccines which we will also list directly below (2022-2023 Flu FAQ). This is the recommended vaccination for the Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine, though the same is also recommended by the CDC for the Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine.

CDC-Recommended Egg-based Vaccination Composition:

  • an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
  • an A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus (updated);
  • a B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus (B/Victoria lineage) (updated);
  • a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage)

CDC-Recommended Cell- or Recombinant-based Vaccination Composition:

  • an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
  • an A/Darwin/6/2021 (H3N2)-like virus (updated);
  • a B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus (B/Victoria lineage) (updated);
  • a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).

Where To Receive The 2022-2023 Flu Vaccine

If you are interested in receiving the 2022-2023 Influenza vaccine but don’t know where or how to do so, don’t worry! Receiving vaccinations, or immunization injections, are surprisingly simple. The flu vaccine has been circulated through a multitude of facilities that offer it to the public. The following are the most common locations to receive the flu vaccine:

  • Local or in-store pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Target)
  • Practitioner offices
  • Clinics
  • Public Health Departments
  • Urgent Care Clinics
  • College Health Centers
  • Public Wellness Centers
  • Schools

As previously mentioned, the Influenza vaccine is available to the public in very broad circulation. The vaccine is even in numerous workplaces!

If you are unsure where the vaccine is available in your location, you can quickly research local pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics in your area that may offer it–or call them about available 2022-2023 vaccination options. Moreover, you can research your state’s department of health for more information about different locations in your designated town or city that may offer the 2022-2023 flu vaccine.

References:

 

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