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As the 2026–2027 flu season gets underway, medical experts are urging Americans to get their annual influenza vaccination and take other precautions to reduce the risk of serious illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, unless they have a medical reason not to. Health officials say vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications. (CDC)

Flu Season Is Here

Influenza activity can vary from year to year, and the timing of the peak flu season is difficult to predict. That makes preparation particularly important as fall and winter approach.

The CDC recommends that most people receive their flu vaccine during September or October, ideally by the end of October. However, people who have not yet been vaccinated should still get a flu shot later in the season as long as influenza viruses are circulating and vaccine is available. (CDC)

Experts also caution against assuming that a flu shot received early in the summer is always preferable. For many adults—particularly those 65 and older—vaccinating too early can mean protection may decline before the end of the flu season.

What’s Different About the 2026–2027 Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccines being used during the 2026–2027 season have been updated to better match influenza viruses expected to circulate.

According to the CDC, all U.S. flu vaccines for the new season are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. All three components were updated compared with the vaccines used during the previous flu season. (CDC)

The updated vaccine composition includes protection against an influenza A(H3N2) virus related to a strain that circulated widely during the 2025–2026 season.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While influenza can affect anyone, some people face a higher risk of developing severe complications.

These groups include:

• Adults 65 and older
• Young children
• Pregnant women
• People with asthma or other chronic lung conditions
• People with diabetes
• People with heart disease
• People with certain other chronic medical conditions
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

The CDC emphasizes that vaccination is particularly important for people at increased risk of serious flu complications. (CDC)

Older adults are especially vulnerable to severe influenza, hospitalization and other complications. For people 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends certain enhanced flu vaccines when available, including high-dose, recombinant and adjuvanted options. (CDC)

The Flu Vaccine Doesn’t Guarantee You Won’t Get Sick

One common misconception is that getting a flu vaccine means a person cannot get influenza.

No vaccine provides perfect protection. However, flu vaccination can reduce the likelihood of becoming sick and can reduce the severity of illness if a vaccinated person does develop influenza.

The CDC says flu vaccination can reduce influenza illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccination can also help reduce the overall burden influenza places on the health care system. (CDC)

Why Vaccination Matters Beyond You

Getting vaccinated isn’t only about protecting yourself.

Influenza can spread quickly among families, workplaces, schools, nursing homes and other communities. Vaccination can help reduce the chance of passing the virus to people who are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

That is especially important for people who regularly interact with older adults, young children, pregnant women or individuals with chronic health conditions.

When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?

For most people, September and October are ideal months to get vaccinated.

The CDC recommends completing vaccination by the end of October when possible. But missing that target doesn’t mean it’s too late. Flu vaccination should continue throughout the season while influenza viruses are circulating and an appropriate vaccine is available. (CDC)

Protection doesn’t develop immediately. Flu vaccines generally take about two weeks to produce antibodies that provide protection against influenza. (CDC)

Flu Prevention Goes Beyond Vaccination

Health experts also recommend everyday precautions to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

These include:

• Washing your hands regularly
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home when you are ill
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Improving indoor ventilation when possible
• Following medical advice if flu symptoms become severe

Vaccination remains the most important preventive measure, but combining vaccination with sensible precautions can provide additional protection.

Don’t Wait Until Flu Is Widespread

The beginning of fall is a good reminder that flu season is approaching—and waiting until influenza is widespread isn’t necessary.

The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older who does not have a contraindication. For most people, getting vaccinated in September or October provides an opportunity to build protection before flu activity becomes widespread. (CDC)

The Bottom Line

As the 2026–2027 flu season begins, medical experts are encouraging people to make influenza vaccination part of their fall health routine.

The flu can be more than a few days of fever and fatigue. It can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest steps people can take to reduce their risk and help protect vulnerable members of their communities.

If you haven’t received your flu vaccine yet, talk with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional about which vaccine is appropriate for you.