Flu Vaccine Recommendations: 2024-2025 Season

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released its official guidance for flu vaccines for the upcoming season. Here are the key points for the 2024-2025 flu season:

• Universal Recommendation: Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
• Vaccine Composition: All U.S. flu vaccines this season will be trivalent (three-virus) formulations.
• Special Recommendations for Older Adults: Adults 65 years and older should receive an adjuvanted or higher-dose flu vaccine, if available.
• New Guidance for Transplant Recipients: Solid organ transplant recipients can now receive the high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine.

Healthcare professionals can access the full MMWR report on the CDC website for comprehensive information. Stay informed and help protect your community by sharing these updated recommendations with your patients and colleagues.

With COVID-19 cases rising and some facilities facing vaccine access delays, stay informed about the latest developments. For information on COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines for 2024-2025 | FDA

'Risk Less. Do More' Campaign

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has introduced a national campaign called "Risk Less. Do More." This initiative aims to increase awareness of vaccines that reduce serious illness from influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The campaign provides healthcare providers with resources to facilitate patient conversations about these important vaccines.

Access the campaign materials here.

Adult Vaccinations: Consider their 'H-A-L-O'

Immunize.org has updated its "Before You Vaccinate Adults, Consider Their 'H-A-L-O'" resource. H-A-L-O stands for Health condition, Age, Lifestyle, and Occupation. The revised document now includes mpox vaccine recommendations, updated polio (IPV) guidelines for previously unvaccinated adults, and revised RSV and Pneumococcal vaccine sections. This tool helps healthcare professionals make informed vaccination decisions.

Access the updated H-A-L-O resource.

COVID-19 cases in nursing homes are 8.9 per 1,000 residents as of August 18, yet only 31% are up-to-date on vaccines. CDC recommends the 2024/2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 6 months and older—visit our WAVE page for resources.

Shot of Knowledge: Vaccine Q&A

What influenza activity can we expect for the 2024-2025 season?

Influenza seasons are inherently unpredictable in timing and severity. While virus circulation was low during peak COVID-19 prevention measures, it has since returned to pre-pandemic patterns. For current influenza activity data, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm.

Which influenza vaccines are available for the 2024-2025 season?

Multiple manufacturers are producing inactivated, recombinant, and live attenuated influenza vaccines for the U.S. market. All vaccines this season are trivalent, containing antigens for two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. For a comprehensive summary of available products, Immunize.org offers a printable document at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4072.pdf.

Learning & Professional Development