Inducing memory CD8⁺ T cells specific for conserved antigens from influenza A virus (IAV) is a potential strategy for broadly protective vaccines. Here we show that memory CD8⁺ T cells in the airways played an important role in early control of IAV. Expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 was critical for memory CD8⁺ T cells to populate the airways during the steady state and vaccination approaches were designed to favor the establishment of memory CD8⁺ T cells in the airways. Specifically, we found that interleukin-12 (IL-12) signaling shortly after immunization limited CXCR3 expression on memory CD8⁺ T cells. Neutralization of IL-12 or adjuvants that did not induce high amounts of IL-12 enhanced CXCR3 expression, sustained airway localization of memory CD8⁺ T cells, and resulted in superior protection against IAV.