Last year’s flu season was lessened because of safety precautions in place due to COVID. This makes it difficult to predict what the current flu season will be like or when it will be at its peak. With COVID restrictions easing up and influenza season beginning again, here’s an update for clinicians from Elsevier’s Tony Prosser, PharmD, Senior Manager, Clinical Drug Information.
Based on the flu season in Australia, which experienced its worst flu season in 5 years, it is predicted that the flu season in the United States is going to be a significant one. To mitigate the effects of an unpredictable flu season, the best strategy is to encourage vaccination for influenza.
Vaccination
For the 2022-2023 flu season, three flu vaccines are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. There is no preference of one over the other.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine
Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine
Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine
Find more information about these vaccines in the Influenza Virus Vaccine drug monograph.
Recommended Timing
The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season; ideally in September and October but no later than end of October for those needing one dose.
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.
Visit the Influenza Healthcare Hub
Elsevier has created the Influenza Healthcare Hub to help healthcare professionals navigate flu season. In a video series on the Influenza Healthcare Hub, Dr. Prosser also covers guidelines for testing and treatment, and how the influenza vaccine should be used to protect vulnerable populations. For more information, visit Elsevier’s Influenza Healthcare Hub.
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