The Latest on Flu Vaccines: What's New This Season?
Published: Mar 30, 2024
Flu season is approaching and there are some changes in the vaccines available. Find out what's different and what you need to know!
Contents
Trivalent vs. Quadrivalent Vaccines
For the upcoming flu season, vaccines will switch from quadrivalent to trivalent formulations. This change comes as the B/Yamagata strain has not been seen since 2020. The new trivalent vaccines will cover A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and the B/Victoria lineage.
Types of Vaccines Available
Several types of flu vaccines are available, including inactivated (IIV), recombinant (RIV), and live attenuated vaccines (LAIV). Inactivated vaccines are given by injection, recombinant vaccines contain only hemagglutinin, and live attenuated vaccines are administered as a nasal spray. Each has its own use case depending on age and health status.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Health officials recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months should get vaccinated annually. Special priority is given to those at higher risk of complications, such as older adults and people with chronic illnesses. It's important to get vaccinated before the flu starts spreading in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flu vaccines will be trivalent instead of quadrivalent.
Everyone over 6 months should get vaccinated.
Inactivated, recombinant, and live attenuated vaccines are available.
Key Takeaways
Are you up-to-date with your flu vaccine knowledge?
Consult Doctronic to learn which vaccine is best for you this season.Related Articles
References
Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2024-2025 northern hemisphere influenza season. World Health Organization.
Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2023–24 Influenza Season.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.