Flu Shot Distribution Plateaus

According to recent data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza vaccine distribution in the United States (U.S.) is approaching a similar amount compared to the last flu season.

Private manufacturers produce flu vaccines in the U.S., so yearly supply depends on manufacturer production. 

As of December 31, 2022, the CDC confirmed 170.71 million influenza vaccines had been distributed.

During the 2021-2022 season, flu activity began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June, with two waves of influenza A(H3N2) virus activity occurring; the first peaked in late December 2021 and the second in April 2022.

Last flu season, vaccine manufacturers distributed 179.4 million doses of flu vaccine to the U.S. market as of February 25, 2022.

For the 2020-2021 flu season, 193.8 million doses were distributed in the U.S. as of February 26, 2021, the highest number of doses in a single flu season. 

As each flu season ends, the CDC and vaccine producers update their vaccine offerings for the next season, highlighted at this link.

The CDC says getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza.

Flu vaccination is essential if you are at a higher risk of developing severe complications. When you get vaccinated, you reduce your risk of getting sick and possibly being hospitalized or dying from influenza.