What you need to know
- The flu causes tens of millions of symptomatic illnesses each year in the U.S.
- Experts say the best time to get vaccinated is generally September or October.
- It’s safe to get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Flu shots provide crucial protection against the contagious respiratory illness that kills tens of thousands of people annually. Yet in the 2024-2025 flu season, less than half of adults got the vaccine.
Read on to find out more about why yearly flu vaccination.
Why is it important to get a flu shot every year?
The flu is often mischaracterized as a mild disease. But the flu causes tens of millions of symptomatic illnesses each year in the U.S. Among those who get sick, hundreds of thousands of people end up in the hospital and tens of thousands die. Young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to serious complications from the respiratory infection.
Getting the annual flu shot is the best way to stay protected against the flu and its potential complications. To maximize protection, scientists modify the vaccine every year to protect against the influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common during the upcoming season.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older in the U.S. get a flu shot (with rare exceptions). The agency also recommends that people 65 and older opt for the high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted versions of the vaccine—each of which is supposed to produce a stronger immune response. If none of those versions are available, people 65 and older should get any other age-appropriate flu vaccine instead.
When should I get a flu shot?
The CDC says that, ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated too early can also be an issue, as the benefit of a flu shot wanes over time.
Flu season in the U.S. typically peaks between December and February, but it can last as late as May. Experts say the best time to get vaccinated is September or October to ensure maximum protection throughout the flu season. However, they also note that you should fast-forward your plans if you start hearing about flu activity picking up where you live.
Can I get my flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
It’s safe to get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. Since both vaccines are available at most pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and health care clinics, it can be convenient for people to get their flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine in one appointment. However, keep in mind that the FDA approved the 2025-2026 updated COVID-19 vaccine only for people 65 and older and for those who are high risk.
What is the upcoming flu season expected to look like?
Public health experts often look at flu seasons in the Southern Hemisphere for clues about our next flu season. This past season, for instance, Australia experienced one of its worst flu seasons in recent history, with a high number of flu cases that started earlier than expected, and a “tripledemic,” with RSV and COVID-19 also circulating. This can indicate that we will experience something similar.
That’s why experts recommend getting vaccinated against the flu, to help ensure that hospital systems don’t become overwhelmed in the winter.
Will insurance cover the flu vaccine?
Because there have been no substantial changes to the CDC’s flu vaccine recommendations, insurers are expected to cover the flu vaccine this season.