2021-2022 Influenza (Flu) Season: CDC Key Points and FAQs

2021-2022 Influenza (Flu) Season: CDC Key Points and FAQs

The burden of flu in the United States can vary widely and is determined by several factors, including the characteristics of circulating influenza viruses, the timing of the season, how many people have pre-existing immunity to circulating influenza viruses, how well the flu vaccine is protecting those who are vaccinated against illness, and how many people get vaccinated. It is not currently known how flu activity will be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; however, CDC is preparing for seasonal flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 to spread at the same time.

What’s New for 2021-2022

A few things are different for the 2021-2022 influenza (flu) season, including:

• The composition of flu vaccines has been updated.
• All flu vaccines will be quadrivalent (four component), meaning designed to protect against four different flu viruses. For more information: Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine | CDC.
• Licensure on one flu vaccine has changed. Flucelvax Quadrivalent is now approved for people 2 years and older.
• Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
• More detailed guidance about the recommended timing of flu vaccination for some groups of people is available.
• Guidance concerning contraindications and precautions for the use of two flu vaccines – Flucevax Quadrivalent and Flublok Quadrivalent – were updated.

More information about the 2021-2022 flu season is available: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season

COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant People to Prevent Serious Illness, Deaths, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from COVID-19

CDC recommends urgent action to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks. As of September 27, 2021, more than 125,000 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in pregnant people, including more than 22,000 hospitalized cases and 161 deaths. To learn more, please visit: HAN Archive - 00453 | Health Alert Network (HAN) (cdc.gov).