Before Departing Abroad, Check Your Flu Shot Options

Each summer, influenza viruses are detected in both the northern and southern hemispheres. What happens in one hemisphere does not necessarily predict what will happen in the other because influenza viruses evolve and impact populations differently.

While the exact timing and duration of any flu season varies by country, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported most detections in late July 2023 are moderate.

The WHO recently published Influenza Update N° 450, indicating some countries in the southern hemisphere reported changes in influenza detections in recent weeks, while others seemed to have already peaked.

And Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care published report No. 8, which stated insufficient information to assess the 2023 influenza season's potential severity comprehensively. 

The WHO and the U.S. CDC suggest international travelers speak with a healthcare provider about flu shot options before visiting countries reporting influenza outbreaks in August 2023.

As of August 5, 2023, most health clinics and community pharmacies in the U.S. offer various flu shots targeting 2023-2024 influenza viruses.