Health officials recommend that nearly everyone who is eligible get a flu vaccine this fall, even though some forecasts suggest the 2025–2026 season may be less severe than the unusually bad 2024–2025 season. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications — older adults, very young children, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
How bad was last season?
The 2024–2025 season was one of the worst in more than a decade. Preliminary CDC estimates put U.S. influenza cases between about 47 million and 82 million, with roughly 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths. A strong season in Australia raised additional concern because Southern Hemisphere patterns can foreshadow what the Northern Hemisphere might see.
When flu season usually runs
Flu season in the U.S. typically lasts from October through March and most often peaks between December and February. In August, the CDC suggested hospitalizations this season could be similar to last year’s, but experts say vaccination decisions shouldn’t rely on seasonal forecasts — getting a flu shot should be an annual routine.
Who should get the vaccine
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for almost everyone aged 6 months and older. Exceptions include infants under 6 months and people with severe, life‑threatening allergies to vaccine components. People who should prioritize getting vaccinated include:
– Adults 65 and older
– Children younger than 2 years
– People with chronic health conditions (for example, asthma, blood disorders)
– People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
– People with weakened immune systems
Supply, cost, and where to get vaccinated
Manufacturers have told the CDC there should be a sufficient supply — roughly up to 154 million doses available in the U.S. Most health plans cover flu shots; if you pay out of pocket, costs commonly range from about $20 to $100. Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, clinics, and community sites.
There is also a needle‑free option: FluMist nasal spray was approved in 2024 for people ages 2 to 49 and can be self‑ or caregiver‑administered for those eligible.
Timing and how well the vaccine works
The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in early fall, ideally before the end of October. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop after vaccination. Protection can decline over time, especially in older adults, so late October is often a practical target — but it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated later in the season.
This year’s vaccine is designed to target the main circulating influenza strains. While no vaccine guarantees you won’t get infected, vaccination meaningfully lowers the risk of severe outcomes: the CDC estimates flu vaccination reduces the chance of hospitalization or death from influenza by roughly 40% to 60% in a given season. Common side effects are typically mild, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or a low‑grade fever.
How flu vaccine guidance differs from COVID guidance
Federal guidance for flu vaccination remains broad, recommending shots for nearly everyone 6 months and older. By contrast, COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations were narrowed for some healthy groups in 2025; that change does not apply to the flu vaccine.
Safety and policy notes
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has advised against vaccines that contain thimerosal; thimerosal was removed from routine U.S. childhood vaccines in 2001. There have also been administrative changes to advisory panels at the federal level.
Symptoms, risks, and other ways to reduce spread
Influenza is a contagious respiratory virus. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and nasal congestion. Influenza A strains often carry the highest risk of severe disease.
In addition to vaccination, simple measures help reduce transmission:
– Wash hands regularly
– Avoid crowded places during peak times
– Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Why the vaccine matters
Flu can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and death — even in people who are otherwise healthy. Getting vaccinated protects you and helps protect people you might expose, including infants, older adults, and medically vulnerable individuals. Despite some seasons when effectiveness is lower, experts say the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Concerns about 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 in a non‑pandemic year since tracking began; roughly 90% of those children were not fully vaccinated. Public health experts worry about parents delaying or skipping shots for safety reasons and encourage routine immunization to prevent severe outcomes.
Bottom line
Because influenza can lead to hospital stays and death, public health experts recommend getting a flu vaccine this fall, ideally before the end of October. If you’re unsure which vaccine is best for you or how to time it with other immunizations or travel, check with your health care provider.
