The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its recommendations for the 2022-2023 flu vaccines. Each year, the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborate to select the specific virus strains to target with the annual flu shot based on the strains that are likely to be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season.
For the 2022-2023 flu season, the FDA is following the recommendations published by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO has recommended that the flu shots for the upcoming season target two strains that are different from those targeted during the 2021-2022 season. The recommended strains for the 2022-2023 flu season are:
- Influenza H1N1 A/Victoria/2570/2019 pdm09-like strain
- Influenza H1N1 A/Wisconsin/588/2019 pdm09-like strain
- Influenza H1N1 B/Phuket/3073/2013-like strain
- Influenza H3N2 A/Darwin/9/2021-like strain
- Influenza H3N2 B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain
What Do Flu Shot Recipients Need to Know about the Targeted Influenza Strains?
As someone who gets an annual flu shot, what do the FDA’s recommendations mean for you? The selected influenza strains do not affect your options when it comes to getting the flu shot, but they do impact the flu shot’s effectiveness. For the 2021-2022 flu season, Medscape reports that the selected vaccines were largely ineffective in protecting against influenza A. Unfortunately, there is no way for flu shot recipients to know whether their immunizations will be effective. But, getting an annual flu shot is still one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu, and the CDC recommends vaccination for most people as a precautionary measure.
Tips for Getting an Annual Flu Shot
Regardless of the flu shot’s effectiveness, getting an annual flu shot presents a risk for various vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. While rare in comparison to the number of flu shots administered each year, these illnesses and injuries can cause serious complications for those who are affected. To help minimize their risk of suffering a flu shot illness or injury, vaccine recipients can:
- Consult with Your Doctor – If you have any questions about whether you should get a flu shot, you should consult with your doctor. While the CDC recommends vaccination for most people, certain risk factors (i.e., egg allergies and prior diagnosis with Guillain-Barre Syndrome) may weigh against immunization.
- Go to a Trusted Healthcare Provider – While there are lots of places to get the flu shot, it is a good idea to go to a trusted healthcare provider if you can. Mistakes during flu shot administration are among the leading causes of vaccine-related injuries.
- Wear a Loose Shirt and Roll Up Your Sleeve – Many flu shot injuries occur as a result of the needle being inserted in the wrong location or at the wrong angle. To ensure that their providers have ready access to the correct location, flu shot recipients should roll up their sleeves to the top of the shoulder.
Contact Attorney Leah V. Durant
Many individuals who are diagnosed with flu shot illnesses and injuries will be eligible to obtain compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you have questions about filing a VICP claim, we encourage you to get in touch. To speak with attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, please call 202-800-1711 or request a free initial consultation online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
Categories: Flu Vaccine, Food and Drug Administration
Leah Durant 
Leave a Reply