Flu season is near – here’s a guide to available vaccines

Influenza activity is beginning to rise in the United States, with some western regions experiencing an earlier-than-usual start to the 2026-27 flu season. While flu cases remain low nationally as of late September, the number of people testing positive for respiratory infections has begun increasing, indicating that flu viruses are spreading more widely. Typically, flu season in the U.S. starts in the fall and peaks between December and February. The timing and severity of each flu season depend on factors such as which flu viruses are circulating, how well they match the vaccine, and the level of immunity in the community. For example, the 2025-26 flu season was classified as moderately severe, with over 32 million cases, 390,000 hospitalizations, and up to 81,000 deaths, peaking in December.

Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatricians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend that most adults and children aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people aged 65 and older, young children, pregnant individuals, those with chronic medical conditions, and people with weakened immune systems, as they are at higher risk of severe complications from the flu. The CDC advises getting vaccinated by the end of October, but getting the vaccine as soon as possible is encouraged, as it takes about two weeks for the body to develop protection. This year, all flu vaccines were updated to better match the viruses expected to circulate during the 2026-27 flu season.

Several types of flu vaccines are available this season, including traditional flu shots, high-dose vaccines, lab-grown vaccines, and vaccines with ingredients that boost the immune response. These are typically administered as injections. For those who prefer to avoid needles, FluMist is a nasal spray vaccine approved for people aged 2 through 49. Flucelvax is another option, made using mammalian cells instead of eggs, and is approved for people aged 6 months and older. People with egg allergies can safely receive any flu vaccine, including those produced in eggs. A new option this year is mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, approved for adults aged 50 and older. Because it is new, availability may be limited, so individuals interested in this vaccine should check with their local pharmacy, healthcare provider, or Moderna’s online vaccine locator.

The effectiveness of flu vaccines varies each year depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating viruses. However, vaccination consistently reduces the risk and severity of flu illness. This year, the vaccine components were updated to better match the viruses expected to circulate, which may improve protection compared to recent years. While no vaccine is 100% effective, getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is also important to note that flu vaccines do not protect against COVID-19, but updated COVID-19 vaccines are available and can be administered at the same time as the flu vaccine. Basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands and wearing a mask when sick, can further reduce the spread of flu viruses.