Experts Urge Early Flu Vaccination Amid Rising Covid Cases

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — As autumn arrives, Americans are reminded to consider flu vaccinations. The flu claims approximately 45,000 lives annually in the United States. Federal data indicates that vaccinations prevented 10 million flu-related illnesses last year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that everyone aged six months and older should receive a flu shot, which is now available nationwide. Experts suggest getting vaccinated between September and October for optimal protection.

Dr. Stephen Thacker, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, recommends getting the flu shot in October, ideally no later than November. Different regions may experience an earlier flu surge, so some might get vaccinated in September, he noted.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, according to Dr. Michael Dunn, an Arizona primary care physician. Thacker advises monitoring local and state updates on flu cases for timely vaccination.

Although the CDC has not yet released guidance for the 2026 flu season, Thacker expects most recommendations to remain consistent with last year. High-risk groups include children under five, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems, and seniors over 65.

Flu shots will continue to be free for most insured individuals. A notable change this season is the introduction of the first mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, developed by Moderna and approved for those over 50. This vaccine is 25 percent more effective in this age group compared to traditional shots.

However, Thacker warns of potential availability issues due to operational timing for pharmacies and health systems. “There might be an availability issue just operationally due to the timing of when the pharmacies and health systems needed to start ordering the vaccine,” he explained.

Vaccination rates for seasonal vaccines, including flu and Covid, have declined. According to a poll from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, less than half of U.S. adults were immunized against any respiratory virus by November 2025.

Currently, flu levels are low across the U.S., but Covid cases are increasing in every state except Iowa, according to CDC data. The Trump administration recently approved new Covid vaccines, which will be available shortly.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)