2021 Primary Changes and Updates in Recommendations

For 2021-22 season, vaccination providers may choose to administer any licensed, age appropriate influenza vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4).  All seasonal influenza vaccines available in the US for the 2021-22 season are expected to be quadrivalent.  The approved age indication for the cell culture–based inactivated influenza vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), has been expanded from ages ≥4 years to ages ≥2 years. Providers should refer to current CDC/ACIP recommendations and guidance for the use of COVID-19 vaccines for up to date information on administration of these vaccines with other vaccines.

You can read the official recommendations from ACIP for the 2021-2022 flu season.  The ACIP continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have contraindications. 

Children aged 6 months through 8 years who have previously received 2 or more doses of trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine before July 1, 2021 require only 1 dose for 2021-22. Children in this age group who have not previously received ≥2 doses of trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine before July 1, 2021, or whose influenza vaccination history is unknown, require 2 doses for the 2021-22 season. The interval between the 2 doses should be at least 4 weeks for optimal protection. For more information and an algorithm for dosing in this age group visit 2021-22 ACIP guidelines.

ACIP recommends that vaccine providers consider observing patients seated or supine for 15 minutes following administration of any vaccine (regardless of allergy history) to decrease the risk for injury should syncope occur. Persons with severe egg allergy should be vaccinated under the supervision of a medical provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.

Timing of Influenza Campaigns

Health-care providers should begin offering vaccination soon after the vaccine becomes available, and if possible, by October.

• Timing of Vaccinations
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• CDC Guidelines for Large-scale Influenza Vaccination Clinic Planning
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2021–22 Influenza Season
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flu Vaccine from ACPHD

Each year, we distribute flu vaccine to providers who agree to certain guidelines about to whom they will administer the vaccine and how and when to report usage. Visit our Flu Vaccine Distribution Program page for more information.