9.6% of Adults Already Protected Against the Flu

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reported that the number of respiratory illnesses (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is low nationally.

'While we expect this (Northern Hemisphere) flu season's peak hospitalization rate to be similar to or lower than last year's, the CDC says there is still a risk of a higher peak rate, underscoring the need to consider this possibility in planning and preparedness activities.'

On August 29, 2024, the CDC confirmed that all flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season will be trivalent. Most (91%) will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced vaccines.

From an availability perspective, over 87 million flu shots have already been distributed and are available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

As of September 27, 2024, vaccinations to prevent respiratory virus infections have started for the 2024-25 flu season, with 9.6% of adults reporting receipt of a flu shot.