The flu vaccine usually becomes available in September of each year. The influenza season usually starts in December, but in 2022 it started early. You should get the flu vaccine as soon as it comes out.
The past two flu seasons were considered mild, primarily because of the precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This season is expected to be similar to pre-pandemic levels, which means more cases than last year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everybody ages six and up should get a flu vaccine every year, especially those who are at increased risk of flu complications (adults 65 years of age and older, adults with certain chronic health conditions, pregnant women).
Flu vaccines are prepared yearly based on the predominant flu viruses circulating worldwide. The vaccine for the 2023-2024 flu season includes four distinct viruses. Although flu vaccine efficacy varies yearly, they remain the primary method of preventing severe outbreaks and provide essential protection against flu.
Flu vaccines are covered by insurance plans. Out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine varies from $25 to $110 (according to GoodRx), depending on location, provider, and type of vaccine needed. Free vaccines may be available through community clinics, local health centers, and state departments for those who qualify.
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay current with the recommended vaccinations.
CDC recommends the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
The 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. CDC anticipates the updated vaccines will be better at fighting currently circulating variants.
There is no preferential recommendation for using any COVID-19 vaccine over another when more than one licensed or authorized, recommended, and age-appropriate vaccine is available.
To find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you: Search https://vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
SOURCE: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.