Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Supply for the U.S. 2022-2023 Influenza Season

How much influenza vaccine is projected to be available for the 2022-2023 influenza season?

Will there be enough supply of high-dose, recombinant and adjuvanted flu vaccines available for people 65 years and older this season to meet the demand created by the new preferential recommendation?

CDC is not aware of any supply problems with these higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines as a group; however, flu vaccine manufacturers are the best source for information on supplies of their flu vaccines.

Are there delays in the distribution of influenza vaccine?

Currently, influenza vaccine manufacturers are not reporting any expected delays in national flu vaccine supply or distribution this season.

Influenza vaccine production and distribution in the U.S. are primarily private sector endeavors. CDC encourages manufacturers and distributors to use a distribution strategy in which providers receive smaller shipments to allow as many providers as possible to begin vaccination activities early in the vaccination season. Ideally, the intervals between shipments are short so that each provider has a continuous supply and can continue vaccinating patients without interruption. While no important delays have been reported, in some places, robust demand for vaccine and supplies required to support flu vaccination efforts, like needles or syringes, may mean that some providers run out of vaccine or other supplies before their next shipment has arrived. An allocation system can initially limit the size of individual orders. However, as supplies become available in increasing numbers, supply is expected to catch up with demand. Additionally, because vaccine manufacturing has been extended to support the production of a record number of flu vaccine doses this year, providers are likely to receive more shipments throughout the season.

To make sure your provider has flu vaccine available, call ahead to confirm availability. There also may be other locations in your area that have vaccine available.

CDC will continue to provide weekly updates on total flu vaccine doses distributed throughout the 2022-2023 flu season.

How much thimerosal-free influenza vaccine is expected to be available for the 2022-2023 season?

For the 2022-2023 season, manufacturers will produce influenza vaccines that do not contain thimerosal and some vaccines that do contain thimerosal. For the 2022-2023 season, only multidose vial formulations of influenza vaccines will contain thimerosal.

Approximately 93% of projected vaccine supply produced for the 2022-2023 flu season will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced (i.e., preservative-free).

How much quadrivalent (four-component) vaccine is expected to be available for the 2022-2023 season?

For the 2022-2023 season, 100% of the projected vaccine supply produced will be quadrivalent (4-component) vaccines. There will not be any trivalent flu vaccine available.

How much of the U.S. flu vaccine supply for 2022-2023 will be produced using egg-based manufacturing?

Approximately 80% of the projected vaccine supply produced for the 2022-2023 flu season will be produced using egg-based manufacturing technology. The remaining vaccine will be produced using cell-based or recombinant technology.

Can I still buy influenza vaccine for the 2022-2023 season?

Influenza vaccine pre-booking typically occurs between January and March. Some formulations of vaccine should still be available for purchase. Providers should contact distributors and local vendors about remaining supply. In addition, beginning in early October each year, information about manufacturers and distributors who still have influenza vaccine available for sale can be found at https://www.izsummitpartners.org/ivats/.

Updates on the distribution of influenza vaccine doses for the 2022-2023 season will be provided as the season progresses.

What can we anticipate in terms of the timing of vaccine availability for the 2022-2023 season?

Flu vaccine distribution has begun for the 2022-2023 flu season. People should consult CDC’s guidance on the best timing for getting their vaccine.

Are all influenza vaccines the same?

While all influenza vaccines will protect against the same 4 flu viruses, different influenza vaccines are manufactured differently and different preparations have different indications as licensed by the FDA. In particular, each vaccine is licensed for a specific age range. All recipients should receive a vaccine that is appropriate for their age. In addition, LAIV (the nasal spray flu vaccine) is not recommended for use in some populations.

People with egg allergies can receive any licensed, recommended age-appropriate influenza vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) that is otherwise appropriate.  People who have a history of severe egg allergy (those who have had any symptom other than hives after exposure to egg) should be vaccinated in a medical setting, supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions. Two completely egg-free (ovalbumin-free) flu vaccine options are available: quadrivalent recombinant vaccine and quadrivalent cell-based vaccine.

Where can I find information about vaccine supply?

Information about vaccine supply is available here.