The 2025-26 flu season brings several important updates that could affect vaccination decisions and health planning. With manufacturers projecting up to 154 million doses of flu vaccine and new administration options becoming available, understanding this year’s changes is essential for staying protected.
All flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season will be trivalent formulations, protecting against three main virus strains, with CDC recommendations now favoring thimerosal-free single-dose options for children, pregnant women, and adults. The composition has been updated to target the most current circulating strains, while new self-administration options for FluMist nasal spray may provide more convenient vaccination access.
Healthcare experts emphasize that early preparation remains key, especially as respiratory viruses continue to co-circulate during fall and winter months. This season’s vaccine recommendations, access options, timing considerations, and prevention strategies all play crucial roles in maintaining community health and reducing severe flu complications.
What to Know About the 2025–26 Flu Season
The 2025-2026 flu season presents unique challenges with combined respiratory virus circulation and extended activity periods. CDC expects hospitalization rates from flu, COVID-19, and RSV to remain similar to the previous season’s peak levels.
Season Outlook and Activity Predictions
The 2025-26 influenza season is expected to follow historical patterns with some notable variations. CDC expects that combined peak hospitalization rates due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV will be similar to 2024-2025 levels, staying within 20% of the previous season’s peak.
Key predictions for flu activity include:
- Circulation beginning as early as October 2025
- Sustained activity through May 2026
- Regional variations in timing and intensity
Flu activity typically spans 8 months annually, covering more than half the year. This extended timeline challenges the traditional concept of a brief “flu season.”
Health authorities anticipate adequate vaccine supply with up to 154 million doses projected for the United States. Most vaccines will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced formulations.
Expected Peak Periods and Circulation Patterns
Flu circulation in the U.S. follows predictable seasonal patterns with some regional variations. The virus typically begins circulating in October and can extend through May of the following year.
Expected circulation timeline:
- Early season: October-November 2025
- Peak period: December 2025-February 2026
- Late season: March-May 2026
Peak hospitalization rates usually occur between December and February. However, significant flu activity can persist well into spring months.
Regional differences may affect timing, with southern states often experiencing earlier onset compared to northern regions. Weather patterns and population density also influence local circulation patterns.
The extended circulation period means protection is needed for nearly two-thirds of the year, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination.
Combined Respiratory Virus Risks
The 2025-2026 respiratory season involves simultaneous circulation of multiple viruses creating compound health risks. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV will likely circulate together during peak winter months.
Triple threat considerations:
- Increased healthcare system strain
- Higher risk of co-infections
- Overlapping symptoms complicating diagnosis
Healthcare facilities may experience elevated admission rates when all three viruses peak simultaneously. This convergence typically occurs between December and February.
Co-infection with multiple respiratory viruses can lead to more severe illness outcomes. Vulnerable populations including young children, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals face heightened risks.
Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 remains the primary prevention strategy. RSV vaccines are available for specific age groups and high-risk populations.
Flu Vaccine Updates, Recommendations, and Access
The CDC has updated flu vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 season, emphasizing single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations and trivalent vaccines that protect against three virus strains. All individuals six months and older should receive their annual flu vaccination, with multiple vaccine types and accessible options available nationwide.
CDC Guidelines and New Vaccine Formulations
The CDC now recommends seasonal flu vaccination with single-dose formulations that are free of thimerosal as a preservative for children, pregnant women, and adults during the 2025-2026 season. This represents a significant shift in vaccine formulation preferences.
All flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season are trivalent, protecting against three main groups of circulating seasonal influenza viruses. These include an A(H1N1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria lineage virus.
The FDA made specific recommendations on March 13, 2025, concerning vaccine composition. Egg-based vaccines contain A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, and B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
Cell- or recombinant-based vaccines include A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, and the same B/Victoria lineage virus as egg-based formulations.
Types of Flu Vaccines Available in 2025-26
Multiple flu vaccine options are available for the 2025-2026 season, allowing patients and healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate formulation. The decision about which vaccine to receive can be discussed with healthcare providers.
FluMist, the live attenuated influenza vaccine, received FDA approval in September 2024 for self- or caregiver administration. This nasal spray vaccine is approved for individuals aged 2 through 49 years and contains weakened live influenza viruses.
Self-administration is available for people aged 18 through 49, while caregiver administration by someone 18 years or older is permitted for recipients aged 2 through 17. FluMist provides the same protection against H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B viruses as other vaccines.
Flublok, the recombinant influenza vaccine, expanded its approval in March 2025 from ages 18 and older to ages 9 and older. This provides additional options for younger patients who may benefit from recombinant vaccine technology.
Healthcare providers can help determine the best flu vaccine option based on individual patient factors and preferences.
How and Where to Get Vaccinated
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. The best time to get vaccinated is typically in September or October, before flu activity peaks, though vaccination later in the season still provides protection.
Insurance Coverage and Cost:
- Most health insurance plans cover annual flu vaccination as preventive care at no cost
- Flu vaccination is often available at no or low cost for uninsured individuals
- The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides free vaccines for eligible children through age 18
Vaccination Locations:
- Healthcare provider offices
- Pharmacies
- HRSA-supported health centers
- Employers, schools, and community organizations
- Locations can be found through Vaccines.gov
The VFC program serves children who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, or underinsured. Parents should verify that providers accept their insurance or participate in VFC programs.
Vaccine Supply, Distribution, and Safety
Vaccine manufacturers have projected supplying the United States with up to 154 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 season. These projections may change as the season progresses, but supply is expected to meet demand.
Most of the projected influenza vaccine supply will be thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced. This aligns with CDC recommendations for single-dose, preservative-free formulations across all age groups.
Safety Considerations:
- Trivalent vaccines have established safety profiles
- FluMist contains weakened live viruses but is safe for approved age groups
- Healthcare providers can address specific safety questions
Getting vaccinated before flu activity increases provides the best protection. Individuals should not delay vaccination if multi-dose vials containing thimerosal are available, as the benefits outweigh preservative concerns.
The CDC will continue monitoring vaccine effectiveness throughout the season and may update recommendations as needed based on circulating virus strains and vaccine performance data.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and Special Considerations
The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Certain groups face higher risks of serious illness and require special attention, while access programs ensure vaccines reach underserved populations.
At-Risk Groups: Older Adults, Pregnant Women, and Children
Adults 65 and older face the highest risk of serious flu complications, including hospitalization and death. Their immune systems weaken with age, making yearly flu vaccination crucial for protection.
Older adults in long-term care facilities require particular attention due to close living quarters that facilitate virus spread. These settings often experience severe outbreaks when residents remain unvaccinated.
Pregnant women need flu shots during any trimester to protect both mother and baby. Vaccination during pregnancy passes protective antibodies to the infant, providing crucial immunity during their first months of life.
Children represent another high-risk group, especially those under 5 years old. The CDC’s Vaccines for Children program ensures eligible children receive free flu vaccines through participating providers.
Children who have never received a flu vaccine may need two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart, during their first vaccination season. Parents should consult healthcare providers about proper timing and dosing schedules.
Flu Vaccines for People with Chronic Conditions
People with chronic health conditions face significantly increased risk of serious illness from influenza. Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and compromised immune systems make individuals more vulnerable to severe complications.
Chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD can worsen dramatically during flu infection. Patients may experience severe breathing difficulties requiring urgent care or hospitalization.
Diabetes patients face higher risks because flu can make blood sugar control more difficult. The infection stress can lead to dangerous blood sugar spikes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Heart disease patients may experience cardiac complications during flu illness. The virus increases inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering heart attacks or strokes.
Healthcare providers may recommend specific vaccine types for immunocompromised patients. Some individuals cannot receive live vaccines like FluMist and require inactivated formulations instead.
Access for Uninsured and Underserved Populations
Most insurance plans cover annual flu vaccination as preventive care at no cost to patients. Uninsured individuals can access vaccines through multiple programs and locations.
HRSA-supported health centers provide flu vaccines regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. These federally qualified health centers serve underserved communities nationwide.
Pharmacies often offer low-cost vaccination options, with many providing income-based sliding fee scales. Community organizations and employers frequently host free vaccination clinics during flu season.
The VFC program serves uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, and American Indian/Alaska Native children through age 18. Parents can locate VFC providers through state health departments or the CDC website.
Vaccines.gov helps locate nearby vaccination sites with cost and availability information. The tool filters results by insurance acceptance, location, and vaccine type preferences.
What Else to Expect: Prevention, Treatment, and Co-Circulating Viruses
The 2025-26 flu season brings unique challenges with multiple respiratory viruses circulating simultaneously. Understanding how flu interacts with COVID-19, knowing treatment options, and implementing effective prevention strategies will help protect your health.
Flu and COVID-19: Overlapping Symptoms and Risks
Both flu and COVID-19 share similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between these respiratory viruses without testing. Fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches occur with both infections.
The risk of getting both viruses simultaneously increases during peak circulation periods. Co-infection can lead to more severe illness and complications.
Common overlapping symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Persistent cough
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Headache and sore throat
COVID-19 variants continue to evolve, potentially causing symptoms that mirror seasonal flu. New flu strains also emerge each year, creating additional diagnostic challenges.
Healthcare providers at FirstPoint MD (718-608-6182) recommend testing when symptoms appear. Early identification helps determine appropriate treatment and prevents transmission to others.
Managing Flu Symptoms and Treatment Options
Antiviral medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Prescription drugs like Tamiflu can reduce illness duration and severity.
Most people can manage flu symptoms at home with supportive care. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications help relieve discomfort.
Effective home remedies include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting adequate sleep
- Using humidifiers for congestion
- Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches
Flu can cause serious complications in high-risk individuals. Adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions should seek medical attention promptly.
Contact healthcare professionals at 271 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 1002, Floral Park, NY if symptoms worsen or breathing difficulties develop. Early intervention prevents hospitalization.
Prevention Strategies for Staying Healthy
Annual flu vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent flu infection. The 2025-26 vaccines target the specific strains expected to circulate this season.
Additional prevention measures include:
- Washing hands frequently with soap
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Covering coughs and sneezes properly
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
Getting both flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines provides dual protection against major respiratory viruses. These vaccines can be administered simultaneously without reduced effectiveness.
Stay healthy by maintaining good immune system function through proper nutrition and regular exercise. Adequate sleep and stress management also boost natural defenses against infectious disease.
People at higher risk should consider additional precautions during peak transmission periods. Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces reduces exposure to airborne respiratory droplets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025-26 flu season brings updated vaccine formulations targeting specific virus strains, with CDC recommendations for thimerosal-free vaccines and expanded age eligibility for certain vaccine types.
What vaccines are recommended for the 2025-26 flu season?
The CDC recommends single-dose, thimerosal-free trivalent flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
How can I protect myself from the flu this year?
Getting an annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent flu and its serious complications.
What are the predicted flu virus strains for the 2025-26 season?
The 2025-26 flu vaccines protect against three strains: A(H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A(H3N2)-like virus, and B/Victoria lineage virus.
Are there any new treatment options for flu patients in 2025?
FluMist nasal spray vaccine is now approved for self-administration by adults 18-49 and caregiver administration for children 2-17, expected to be available this season.
What age groups are most at risk for the flu in 2025-26?
Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions face higher risk for flu complications.
How effective is the current flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine effectiveness varies yearly based on how well the vaccine matches circulating viruses, but vaccination remains the best protection available against influenza.