Health officials anticipate that this winter’s flu season will likely be moderate compared to last year’s severe outbreak. Still, experts continue to recommend that everyone who is eligible receive a flu vaccination this fall.
The vaccine is especially important for those more vulnerable to severe illness, including older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
Experts emphasize that influenza is not a trivial illness—each year it leads to hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. Vaccination lowers the risk of hospitalization or death, even if it doesn’t prevent all infections.
Outlook for the Upcoming Flu Season
The severity of the 2025–2026 flu season remains uncertain.
- Last year’s U.S. flu season was one of the most severe in over a decade, with an estimated 47 to 82 million illnesses, 610,000 to 1.3 million hospitalizations, and 27,000 to 130,000 deaths.
- Australia has also reported a particularly strong flu season this year, often a predictor of trends for the Northern Hemisphere.
- In the U.S., flu season typically runs from October through March, peaking between December and February.
Experts suggest this season may be more moderate, but they stress that forecasts should not dictate vaccination decisions. The CDC recommends making the flu shot an annual routine.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot, with exceptions only for:
- Infants younger than 6 months
- People with severe, life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients
Those at highest risk for complications include:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 2 years old
- People with chronic conditions (such as asthma or blood disorders)
- Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher
- People with weakened immune systems
For the 2025–2026 season, manufacturers expect to supply up to 154 million vaccine doses. Most insurance covers the cost, though out-of-pocket prices range from $20 to $100.
Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices. For those who prefer not to get a shot, the FluMist nasal spray is approved for people ages 2 to 49.
When Should You Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC advises getting vaccinated in early fall, ideally before the end of October.
- Immunity typically develops about two weeks after vaccination.
- Protection can wane over time (around 10% per month, especially in older adults).
- If missed in October, vaccination is still worthwhile later in the season.
This year’s vaccine has been designed to protect against the three main influenza virus groups currently circulating.
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses (Types A, B, and C). Symptoms often include:
- Cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat
- Fever, headache, fatigue, chills, body aches
Complications can be severe—even among otherwise healthy individuals.
The vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization or death from the flu by 40% to 60%. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headache, fatigue, or low-grade fever.
Experts also recommend these additional preventive measures:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid large crowds during peak flu season
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Why Vaccination Matters
Experts highlight two main reasons to get a flu shot:
- Protect yourself from serious illness.
- Protect others, especially vulnerable people you may come into contact with.
Although the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, its benefits far outweigh the risks. During the 2024–2025 season, the CDC reported 266 pediatric deaths, the highest ever in a non-pandemic year—90% of those children were not fully vaccinated.
Public health officials remain concerned about vaccine hesitancy. Despite worries about side effects, decades of data show that flu vaccines are safe and effective.
The consensus is clear: everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
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