As flu season approaches, health experts are urging people to get vaccinated even though forecasts suggest a moderate influenza season ahead. Vaccination remains especially important for those at higher risk, including young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Federal health agencies continue to recommend annual flu shots for nearly everyone, aligning with last year’s guidance and standing apart from the evolving COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. Doctors emphasize that influenza should not be underestimated, since the virus can cause serious complications even in otherwise healthy individuals.
“While most cases are mild, some can be severe, leading to hospitalizations, and tens of thousands die each year from the flu,” explained David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Monica Gandhi, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, added that last year saw unusually high pediatric hospitalizations, underscoring the importance of flu vaccination this year.
Read More: Trump Approves TikTok Deal, Says He’d Make It “100% MAGA” if Possible
Outlook for the Upcoming Flu Season
Experts say it’s still too early to know how severe the 2025–2026 flu season will be. Last year, the United States faced what some described as the most severe flu season in more than a decade, with an estimated 47 million to 82 million illnesses, 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths, according to preliminary CDC data.
Australia has also reported a particularly strong flu season—its second-worst in a decade—which may signal how the Northern Hemisphere could fare this fall and winter. In the U.S., flu season typically runs from October through March, peaking between December and February.
The CDC projects a similar level of hospitalizations this year compared to last, though estimates include influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Experts like William Schaffner, MD, note that after a severe year, the upcoming season may be more moderate. Still, doctors stress that flu’s unpredictability makes annual vaccination the safest choice.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that nearly everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine this fall. The only exceptions are infants younger than 6 months and individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to ingredients in the vaccine.
Certain groups face a higher risk of flu-related complications and should prioritize vaccination, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children under age 2
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or blood disorders
- Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher
- People with weakened immune systems
Vaccine supply should be sufficient this season, with manufacturers projecting up to 154 million doses for 2025–2026. Most insurance plans cover the cost of flu shots, while out-of-pocket prices typically range from $20 to $100. Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
For those who prefer an alternative to needles, the FluMist nasal spray is an option for people ages 2 to 49, approved by the FDA in 2024. It can be self-administered or given by a caregiver.
This year’s flu shot recommendations differ from updated COVID-19 guidance. In May, federal officials stopped recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy adults under 65, healthy children, and pregnant individuals. In addition, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to advise against vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that has already been removed from childhood vaccines since 2001.
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious viral infection that targets the respiratory system. The viruses that affect people are categorized into types A, B, and C, with type A posing the greatest risk.
Typical flu symptoms include coughing, sore throat, fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, and a runny or stuffy nose. While many cases are mild, influenza can become serious—even life-threatening—for vulnerable groups and healthy individuals alike.
According to experts, vaccination is the most effective way to reduce risk. Additional preventive steps include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowded areas during peak flu months.
“There are two major reasons why it is important to get a flu vaccine,” explained David Cutler, MD. “First, it protects you. More importantly, it protects those around you who may be particularly vulnerable.”
Although flu vaccines are typically about 50% effective in the best years, studies show the benefits far outweigh any risks. Yet, vaccine hesitancy persists—16% of parents recently reported delaying or skipping shots for their children. In the 2024–2025 season, 266 children died from influenza, 90% of whom were not fully vaccinated.
Experts like Monica Gandhi, MD, and William Schaffner, MD, warn that choosing not to vaccinate leaves individuals and communities at greater risk. They emphasize that annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older remains the best protection against severe flu outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Flu Vaccine
Who should get the flu shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year, except for infants under 6 months and those with severe allergies to vaccine ingredients.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
Health officials advise getting the flu shot by the end of October for maximum protection, though vaccination later in the season can still be beneficial.
Can the flu shot give me the flu?
No. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus capable of causing illness. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness, low-grade fever, or fatigue.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Effectiveness varies by season but generally reduces flu risk by 40–60%. Even when not a perfect match, it helps prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Are there alternatives to the flu shot?
Yes. The FluMist nasal spray is available for people ages 2 to 49 who prefer a needle-free option.
Is the flu shot safe for pregnant people?
Yes. Experts strongly recommend it, as vaccination protects both the parent and the baby.
Does insurance cover flu vaccines?
Most insurance plans cover the cost. For those paying out of pocket, prices typically range from $20 to $100.
Conclusion
As the 2025–2026 flu season approaches, experts continue to stress the importance of annual vaccination. While the severity of flu activity is unpredictable, past seasons show that influenza can cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. The flu vaccine remains the best defense—not only reducing your own risk of severe illness but also protecting vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
