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Which flu vaccines are available?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 16, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

In the 2022-2023 flu season, nine flu vaccines were available. All vaccines were quadrivalent, meaning they protected against the circulating A and B strains of influenza (4 strains total). In late August 2023, the CDC will report on the available and recommended flu vaccines for the 2023-2024 flu season.

The vaccines available in the 2022-2023 season included:

  • The quadrivalent vaccines Fluarix, FluLaval, Fluzone, and Afluria - all approved for individuals 6 months of age or older. These are all quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4s) injections that are egg-based. Afluria can be given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector in people 18 to 64 years of age.
  • FluMist Quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) nasal vaccine for ages 2 to 49 years old, and is a live attenuated nasal spray vaccine that contains egg proteins. This vaccine may not be recommended for use in pregnant people, immunocompromised people, or people with certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine if FluMist is right for you.
  • Two vaccines were available in 2033-2023 for people 65 years of age and older: Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent, an inactivated, egg-based injection and Fluad Quadrivalent, a standard dose, adjuvanted-egg-based injection. An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps it to work better: it creates a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine. Flublok Quadrivalent is also recommended for the 65+ age group, when available.
  • Two egg-free vaccines were available: Flublok Quadrivalent, a recombinant formulation, is used in adults 18 years and older. It’s inactivated but not an egg-based vaccine. Flucelvax Quadrivalent injection can be used in those 6 months and older. It's cell culture-based and inactivated but contains no egg proteins.

This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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References
  • Summary: Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—United States, 2022-23. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). August 23, 2022. Accessed Aug 16, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/summary/summary-recommendations.htm
  • Ask the Experts. Immunize.org. COVID-19. June 14, 2023. https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_cov.asp

Read next

Flu vaccination typically reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% during seasons when the flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. But if you are infected with the virus, the vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and passing it on to others and lessens the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations and death. Continue reading

Options that are available for a needle-free flu vaccine are the FluMist Quadrivalent nasal spray and the Afluria Quadrivalent vaccine given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible. Continue reading

You can find the flu vaccine most quickly at your local pharmacy, where you can usually walk in without an appointment. To save time, you might prefer to make an appointment. Call your pharmacist to be sure they have the current year's vaccine in stock. Continue reading

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