Health officials urge that nearly everyone eligible get a flu vaccine this fall, even though forecasts suggest the 2025–2026 season may be more moderate than the unusually severe 2024–2025 season. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness — older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions.
How severe might this season be?
Last season was one of the worst in more than a decade. Preliminary CDC estimates for 2024–2025 put influenza illnesses in the U.S. between about 47 million and 82 million, with 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths. Australia’s strong Southern Hemisphere season also raised concerns, since patterns there often foreshadow what the Northern Hemisphere may experience.
The CDC notes flu season in the U.S. typically runs from October through March, peaking December–February. In August the agency projected the upcoming respiratory virus season could have a similar number of hospitalizations as last year. Experts advise not basing vaccination decisions on predictions: make getting your flu shot an annual routine.
Who should get vaccinated?
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for almost everyone aged 6 months and older. Exceptions are infants under 6 months and those with severe, life‑threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients. Groups at highest risk for complications who should prioritize vaccination include:
– People 65 years and older
– Children younger than 2 years
– People with chronic conditions (for example, asthma or blood disorders)
– People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
– People with weakened immune systems
Vaccine supply, cost, and access
Manufacturers have told the CDC there should be a sufficient supply — up to about 154 million doses available in the U.S. Most insurers cover flu shots. Out‑of‑pocket costs, where applicable, typically range from about $20 to $100. Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, clinics, and community sites.
There’s also a needle‑free option: the FluMist nasal spray was approved for people 2 to 49 years old in 2024 and can be self‑ or caregiver‑administered.
Timing and effectiveness
The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in early fall, ideally before the end of October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protective antibodies to develop. Immunity can wane over time, particularly in older adults, so late October is often cited as a practical target; however, it’s never too late to get a shot during the season.
This year’s vaccine targets the main circulating influenza strains and, while it doesn’t guarantee you won’t get infected, it substantially lowers the chance of severe outcomes. The CDC estimates flu vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization or death from influenza by roughly 40% to 60% in a given season. Side effects are generally mild (soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, sometimes low-grade fever).
How the flu differs from COVID vaccine guidance
Federal guidance for flu vaccination remains broad, recommending shots for nearly everyone 6 months and older. COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations were revised in 2025 to be narrower for some healthy groups, but that change does not apply to flu shots.
Other safety and policy notes
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advised against use of vaccines containing thimerosal; thimerosal already was removed from U.S. childhood vaccines in 2001. Separately, there have been administrative changes to advisory panels at the federal level.
Symptoms, risks, and other ways to reduce spread
Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Type A influenza usually poses the highest risk of severe illness.
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures include:
– Regular hand washing
– Avoiding crowded places during peak times
– Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Why vaccination matters
Flu can be serious for anyone, not just those in high‑risk groups. Vaccination protects you and helps protect people you might expose — including infants, older adults, and people with medical vulnerabilities. Despite vaccines being less than perfect some years, experts emphasize their benefits far outweigh the risks.
Concern over declining uptake
Vaccine hesitancy remains a concern. During the 2024–2025 season, 266 children died from influenza in the U.S., the highest pediatric flu death toll reported in a non‑pandemic year since tracking began; roughly 90% of those children were not fully vaccinated. Health experts worry about parents delaying or skipping vaccinations for safety reasons, and they encourage routine immunization to prevent severe outcomes.
Bottom line
Because influenza can lead to hospitalization and death — even in otherwise healthy people — public health experts recommend getting a flu vaccine this fall, ideally before the end of October. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you or the timing relative to other vaccines or travel, check with your health care provider.
