Thanks to our inhouse expert, Dr. Ed M. Ed note: Please see the recommended timing is toward the end of October (in order to cover the peak of the flu season).
The CDC’s ACIP recommended annual trivalent flu vaccines for 2024-25, with specific guidance for older adults, immunosuppressed patients, and pregnant individuals, based on data showing substantial reductions in influenza-related illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths.
By Kerri Miller
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released updated recommendations for prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. The committee recommended annual influenza vaccination for all persons ≥6 months without contraindications.
Key Updates for 2024-2025:
- Trivalent vaccines will be exclusively available, with B/Yamagata omitted due to lack of confirmed detections since March 2020.
- HD-IIV3 and aIIV3 are now acceptable options for solid organ transplant recipients aged 18-64 years on immunosuppressive regimens, without preference over other age-appropriate vaccines.
Vaccine composition:
- Influenza A(H1N1): A/Victoria/4897/2022 (egg-based) or A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (cell culture/recombinant)
- Influenza A(H3N2): A/Thailand/8/2022 (egg-based) or A/Massachusetts/18/2022 (cell culture/recombinant)
- Influenza B: B/Austria/1359417/2021 (Victoria lineage)
For adults ≥65 years, high-dose (HD-IIV3), recombinant (RIV3), or adjuvanted (aIIV3) vaccines were recommended preferentially. Any age-appropriate vaccine should be used if none are available.
Expected vaccines included standard-dose inactivated (IIV3), cell culture-based (ccIIV3), high-dose (HD-IIV3), adjuvanted (aIIV3), recombinant (RIV3), and live attenuated (LAIV3) options.
Vaccination timing: The end of October is recommended but should continue while viruses circulate, and unexpired vaccine remains. Children 6 months–8 years may require 1 or 2 doses depending on prior vaccination. Those needing two doses should receive the first dose as soon as possible, including during July and August.
Egg allergy: Persons with egg allergy of any severity can receive any licensed, recommended influenza vaccine appropriate for their age and health status.
Contraindications and precautions: LAIV3 is contraindicated in immunocompromised persons and pregnant women. Specific timing recommendations exist for LAIV3 administration in relation to antiviral use. (continued)