What Are the 9 Influenza Vaccines Available for the 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season?

FluMist live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3). Recommended for individuals aged 2 through 49 years, and it's not recommended for those younger than 2 or older than 49. FluMist is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience adverse effects like runny nose, sore throat, or headache. FluMist is approved for self- or caregiver administration for the 2025-26 season.

Fluarix inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). Fluarix is approved for use in individuals aged 6 months and older. Common adverse events include pain at the injection site, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue, which may differ based on age.

FluLaval inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). FluLaval is approved for individuals aged 6 months and older. The most common adverse events include pain, erythema, and swelling at the injection site. Systemic side effects may include muscle aches, headache, fatigue, irritability (in younger children), drowsiness, and loss of appetite.

Flublok recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV3). Flublok was approved in March 2025 for individuals aged 9 years and older, expanding eligibility from previous age limit of 18 years or older. The side effects are similar to those of the other injectable influenza vaccines and include tenderness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and muscle or joint aches.

Fluzone inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). The standard dose Fluzone is approved for individuals aged 6 months and older and is available in single-dose syringes and single-dose vials and also in multidose vials. Fluzone is associated with a recognizable set of adverse events, eg, pain or swelling at the injection site, muscle aches, headache, and tiredness.

Fluzone inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) multidose vials. Fluzone available in multidose vials does contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. The vials may still be available this season.

Please note: In June 2025, ACIP voted to no longer recommend use of inactivated influenza multidose vials (MDV) containing thimerosal as a preservative. Availability of MDV formulations varies by manufacturer. As of August 4, 2025, CDC’s website states that there is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.

Fluzone High-Dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV3). Fluzone High-Dose is approved for adults aged 65 years and older and is 1 of 2 high-dose formulations preferentially recommended by the ACIP and CDC for this older population. Fluzone High-Dose adverse effects are the same as those observed with the standard dose formulation and other influenza vaccines, ie, headache, arthralgias/myalgias, and injection site pain.

Please note: Solid organ transplant recipients age 18 through 64 years who are on immunosuppression medication regimens may receive either high-dose IIV (HD-IIV) or adjuvanted IIV (aIIV) influenza vaccine as options for influenza vaccination, without a preference over other age-appropriate IIVs or RIVs.

Afluria inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3). Afluria is approved for individuals aged 3 years and older. For adults aged 18 - 64 years, Afluria is approved by the FDA for IM administration with the PharmaJet Stratis Needle-Free Injection System.

Afluria inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) in multidose vials. Afluria in multidose vials does contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. The vials may still be available this season.

Please note: In June 2025, ACIP voted to no longer recommend use of inactivated influenza multidose vials (MDV) containing thimerosal as a preservative. Availability of MDV formulations varies by manufacturer. As of August 4, 2025, CDC’s website states that there is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.

Fluad inactivated influenza vaccine adjuvanted (aIIV3). Fluad is approved for adults aged 65 years and older, along with Fluzone High-Dose. The adjuvant ingredient, MF59, works by recruiting immune cells to the injection site, improving antigen uptake, and promoting T and B cell activation, leading to a stronger and broader antibody response. Fluad is associated with the common adverse effects seen with all injectable influenza vaccines.

Flucelvax cell-culture based inactivated influenza vaccine (ccIIV3). Flucelvax is approved for individuals aged 6 months and older. Flucelvax is produced using cell culture technology which does not rely on fertilized chicken eggs and has been deemed suitable for individuals with egg allergies, although this caution has been largely abandoned. Multidose vials of Flucelvax do contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal. The vials may still be available this season.

Please note: In June 2025, ACIP voted to no longer recommend use of inactivated influenza multidose vials (MDV) containing thimerosal as a preservative. Availability of MDV formulations varies by manufacturer. As of August 4, 2025, CDC’s website states that there is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines, except for minor reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site.