The best way to prevent the flu and serious complications is by getting a flu vaccination every season. When you get your shot is an important factor as well.
Influenza vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been updated for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Most recommendations have remained unchanged from the 2024-2025 flu season. This includes guidance on populations for whom influenza vaccination is recommended, timing of vaccination, selection of vaccines, and contraindications and precautions.
According to the CDC, flu typically circulates in the U.S. during late fall to early spring. For the majority of the population, those who become sick with influenza recover without serious complications.
For high risk populations such as older adults, very young children, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions, the flu can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and possibly death.
When should you get a flu shot?
Current recommendations for when to get the flu shot remain the same. It is advised to consider September through October as the prime time for flu vaccinations. Receiving the vaccine in July and August is not recommended, except in specific cases where the person will not be able to get the shot in September or October, according to the CDC.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older receive a flu vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccine varies depending on how closely the virus strains in the vaccine match those currently circulating. However, the CDC says vaccination is the most important protection from contracting influenza and potential complications.
What flu vaccine options are available?
There are a few choices when it comes to available flu vaccines offered at pharmacies, doctor’s offices and health clinics. Trivalent influenza vaccines, which protect against three different strains of the virus, are recommended for all age groups. However, those over 65 are at a higher risk of complications from the flu so the CDC recommends an enhanced vaccine to provide better protection. The Food and Drug Administration approved a nasal spray vaccination option last year called FluMist.
For those with egg allergies, the vaccine is available in egg-free formulations. People with an egg allergy are not at “increased risk” of severe allergic reactions to egg-based influenza vaccines. “Any influenza vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status (egg based or non-egg based) can be administered to persons with egg allergy,” according to the CDC.
You can read more about the recommendations from the CDC here.
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