In the 2022-2023 flu season, nine flu vaccines were available. All vaccines were quadrivalent, meaning they protected against the circulating A and B strains of influenza (4 strains total). In late August 2023, the CDC will report on the available and recommended flu vaccines for the 2023-2024 season.

The vaccines available in the 2022-2023 season were:

• The quadrivalent vaccines Fluarix, FluLaval, Fluzone, and Afluria - all approved for individuals 6 months of age or older. These are all quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4s) injections that are egg-based. Afluria can be given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector in people 18 to 64 years of age.

• FluMist Quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) nasal vaccine for ages 2 to 49 years old, and is a live attenuated nasal spray vaccine that contains egg proteins. This vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant people, immunocompromised people, or people with certain medical conditions.

• Two vaccines were available in 2033-2023 for people 65 years of age and older: Fluzone High Dose Quadrivalent, an inactivated, egg-based injection and Fluad Quadrivalent, a standard dose, adjuvanted-egg-based injection. An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps it to work better: it creates a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine. Flublok Quadrivalent is also recommended for the 65+ age group, when available.

• Two egg-free vaccines were available: Flublok Quadrivalent, a recombinant formulation, is used in adults 18 years and older. It’s inactivated but not an egg-based vaccine. Flucelvax Quadrivalent injection can be used in those 6 months and older. It's cell culture-based and inactivated but contains no egg proteins.

This is not all the information you need to know about the flu vaccine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.