ODP 2021–2022 Flu Season Alert: December 9, 2021

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sending out this reminder to get immunized against the flu. The current flu season is underway and can last until May 2022. While influenza activity is still low overall nationally, an increase in influenza A (H3N2) viruses has been detected in recent weeks nationally and in Pennsylvania.

It was recently reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) that 80% of flu cases so far this year have been in children and young adults with the H3N2 influenza virus. This virus has been associated with a more severe flu season in the past for individuals age 65 and older and young children.

A flu shot will help protect you against the flu viruses that are circulating. This season, flu shots (quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV4], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV4]) and the nasal spray (live attenuated influenza vaccine [LAIV4]) are available.

Read the full Alert here.