Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection. There are four types of influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. Type A influenza viruses are the only known type to cause flu pandemics. Influenza B viruses generally cause milder disease and affects humans only. Influenza C is rarely reported as a cause of human illness and has not been associated with epidemic disease. Influenza D is not known to cause illness in humans. Annual epidemics of influenza typically occur between October and March in the Northern Hemisphere and April and September in the Southern Hemisphere.
Influenza is transmitted person to person via large droplets that are expelled when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Transmission can occur from the day before symptoms begin until about five days after symptoms begin in adults, or up to seven days or more after symptoms begin in children.
Annually, influenza related illness affects between 3 percent and 11 percent of the population in the United States. Between 2010 and 2023, CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 9.3–41 million illnesses, 100,000–710,000 hospitalizations and 4,900–51,000 deaths annually. Classic symptoms of Influenza include abrupt onset of fever, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms generally last from three to seven days, however some people may experience a cough or weakness for several weeks. In addition, some people may develop complications, such as bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions. Older adults, very young children, pregnant persons, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to serious influenza related complications.
Annual influenza vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from flu and is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months without contraindications. For most people, September and October are the ideal times to be vaccinated against influenza to provide the best protection through the peak season. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October, but immunization is recommended as long as flu activity is reported in the community.
Source: Influenza (Flu) | CDC
Goes to CDC website
You will find below all of the resources you will need for the 2024–25 influenza season. More will be added as they are published or released.
See information on Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine hereSouthern Hemisphere Influenza
Seasonal Influenza Joint Knowledge Online Training
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| Goes to JKOSeasonal Influenza Vaccination Training, JKO Course Number DHA-US069Goes to JKO (CAC authenticate in JKO): This course was designed to help provide military and civilian health care personnel with important and comprehensive information concerning the influenza vaccine. It is designed to prepare health care personnel to administer influenza vaccinations and perform required administrative tasks in support of the DOD and USCG's Influenza Vaccination Program. This curriculum includes five training modules and a quiz. It is designed to meet seasonal influenza vaccination training requirement for medical personnel administering influenza vaccinations. This course is current for the 2024–25 influenza season. |
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Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Cold Chain Management for Logistical Personnel, JKO Course Number DHA-US070Goes to JKO (CAC authenticate in JKO): This course was designed to help provide non-clinical personnel (i.e. pharmacy, logistics, and support staff) with important and comprehensive information concerning storage and handling of the influenza vaccine. It is designed to prepare healthcare personnel with handling of the influenza vaccinations and perform required administrative tasks in support of the DOD's Influenza Vaccination Program. This course is current for the 2024–25 influenza season.
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| Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommendations |
Date |
Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 Influenza SeasonGoes to CDC website
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Aug. 29, 2024 |
| Information Paper |
Date |
Influenza Infection and Influenza VaccinesFlu vaccine information paper
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Aug. 9, 2024 |
| Vaccine Information Statements |
Date |
| Live, Intranasal Flu VaccineGoes to CDC website
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Jan. 31, 2025 |
| Inactivated or Recombinant (injectable) Flu VaccineGoes to CDC website
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Jan. 31, 2025 |
| Screening Form (Right-click and save this document to your desktop in order to fill it out and add digital signature) |
Date |
DHA Form 116: Pediatric and Adult Influenza Screening and Immunization DocumentationFlu screening
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August 2024 |
| Manufacturer Package Inserts |
Date |
| DOD-contracted
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| Afluria (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Flulaval (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Fluzone High-Dose (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Not DOD-contracted
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| Fluad (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Fluarix (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Flublok (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
Oct. 15, 2024 |
| Flucelvax (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Fluzone (Trivalent)Goes to FDA website |
July 1, 2024 |
| Standing Orders |
Date |
Influenza Vaccine (Pediatric)Flu pediatric standing order
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Aug. 9, 2024
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Influenza Vaccine (Adults)Flu adult standing order
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Aug. 9, 2024
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| Competency Assessment |
Date |
Initial/Annual Competency Assessment Checklist: Influenza Vaccine Administration Flu vaccine competency
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Aug. 9, 2024 |
| Influenza Vaccine Product List |
Date |
| Influenza Vaccine Product List and Age Groups – United States, 2024-25 SeasonFlu Product list
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July 24, 2024 |
| Vaccine Storage and Handling Resources |
Date |
2024-2025 Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Vaccine Storage and Beyond-Use Date Tracking Labels
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Sept. 18, 2024
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| Clinic Materials |
Date |
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Checklist: Best Practices for Vaccination Clinics Held at Satellite, Temporary, or Off-Site LocationsBest Practices for Off-Site Vaccination Clinics
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Aug. 9, 2024 |
Influenza Off-Site Vaccination Clinic Supply ChecklistInfluenza Clinic Supply Checklist
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May 12, 2020 |
Pediatric Influenza 2nd Dose Reminder CardsPediatric Influenza 2nd Dose Reminder Cards
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May 12, 2020 |