Are We Prepared for Seasonal Influenza 2022–2023?

With the subsiding COVID-19 pandemic control measures, new data from the Southern Hemisphere indicates the return of influenza may significantly impact public health in the USA.

According to a Correspondence published by The Lancet on August 3, 2022, there has been a rapid rise in influenza A notifications in Australia during the winter season.

Most years, data from Australia helps predict what is coming to the Northern Hemisphere in the fall.

As of June 19, 2022, about 85% of influenza cases in Australia were due to influenza A (H3N2), which is known to cause more severe epidemics.

These researchers stated 'children are responsible for most influenza transmission in Australia, where 10–14-year-olds currently have one of the highest infection rates.'

Therefore, 'vaccinating children is particularly important,' wrote these researchers. 

However, to be effective, influenza vaccination campaigns should start early in the flu season.

In the USA, the flu season generally starts after the Labor Day holiday and lasts well into spring.

The U.S. CDC suggests most people over the age of six months get a flu shot as soon as they become available.

This recommendation is essential since (33) pediatric influenza-related deaths have been confirmed during the 2021-2022 flu season.

And for certain at-risk people, a flu shot booster is also encouraged later in the season.

According to media reports, over 100 million influenza vaccines will soon arrive in clinics and local pharmacies.

Last flu season, about 175 million flu shots were administered.

Furthermore, the U.S. FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recently endorsed influenza and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration.

And for the first time, the CDC is endorsing certain high-power flu shots for older adults.

Additional flu shot news is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Flu.