The 2025–2026 flu season was one of the most severe in recent years, showing how quickly influenza can spread through communities and the importance of taking preventive steps before cases begin to rise. There were an estimated 32-57 million illnesses and up to 81,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Last year’s flu season was a reminder that influenza can spread quickly,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuovo, chief medical officer at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “The good news is that people can protect themselves and those around them with this year’s flu vaccine.”
Learn more about this year’s flu season and vaccine in the below Q&A with Dr. Nuovo:
Why is it so important to get the flu vaccine?
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect your health, reduce the spread of illness, and help safeguard those at greater risk of serious complications. The American Medical Association recommends the vaccine for anyone over 6 months of age.
And for those who are over the age of 65, the Centers for Disease Control recommends a larger dosage. People aged 65 and older are eligible for a higher dosage since they have a higher risk of complications from the seasonal flu, accounting for a significant percentage of hospitalizations and deaths each year.
Other vulnerable populations include those with heart disease and diabetes:
- 6x: People with heart disease have a six times greater risk of heart attack within seven days of a flu infection (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)
- 6x / 3x: Diabetes patients are at six times greater risk of flu-related hospitalization and three times greater risk of flu-related death (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)
Why do I need the flu vaccine every year?
Every year the strain of flu that is widely circulating changes, and the flu vaccine is prepared to match the most prevalent circulating strains of flu. We also recommend updating your COVID vaccine at the same time for protection during this winter, if it has been several months since your last shot.
Underlying conditions can be exacerbated by contracting either of these reparatory illnesses, leading to more serious health issues.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
October is an optimal time to receive a flu vaccine, since you’ll be ahead of when flu activity peaks. However, vaccinations later in the flu season can still provide good protection. California experienced elevated flu activity well into February last season, demonstrating that later-season vaccination can still provide meaningful protection. Please keep in mind that it takes around two weeks for your vaccine to kick in. So, if you’d like to time your vaccine to give you extra protection for a trip, event, or holiday gathering, be sure to plan accordingly.
That said, holiday gatherings and holiday travel are great spreaders of flu. With the holiday season coming up, October or early November are ideal times to go in for a flu shot. But it is never too late to get this important vaccination, as we see flu in California later in the winter and into the spring.
Where can I get the flu shot?
Flu vaccines are widely available through primary care providers, clinics, and local pharmacies. Blue Shield members have access to a broad network of vaccination locations throughout the state. To find a convenient, in-network location offering flu vaccines, visit Blue Shield of California’s flu shot page.
How much does the flu shot cost?
Flu shots are considered preventive care, so most members can receive a flu vaccine at no additional cost when using an in-network provider.
To learn more about flu prevention and vaccination, visit www.blueshieldca.com