As the fall season approaches, parents of school-aged children find themselves juggling an ever-growing list of tasks. From buying school supplies to attending parent-teacher nights, the checklist seems endless. Amidst these responsibilities, the question of flu vaccinations often arises. Should you and your children get a flu shot this year? Will insurance cover it? These are pertinent questions as we head into the 2025-26 flu season.
Despite ongoing political debates surrounding vaccines, health experts continue to advocate for the flu shot. According to four doctors we consulted, the flu vaccine remains an essential preventive measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains its recommendation that everyone aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. This guidance ensures that most insurance plans will cover the cost, and the vaccine will be widely accessible soon.
Current Vaccine Recommendations
Recent discussions have raised concerns about potential changes to vaccine policies under the Trump administration. However, there have been no significant alterations to the federal recommendations for the flu vaccine. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his opposition to vaccines, has also endorsed the flu vaccine for most people. This endorsement aligns with the advice from the advisory board on vaccine policy, which Kennedy restructured with new members.
“A flu vaccine may not guarantee perfect protection against the flu, but skipping your flu shot simply guarantees you’ll have no protection at all,” said Benjamin Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.
Exceptions and Considerations
While the flu vaccine is recommended for the majority, there are exceptions. Individuals with severe allergies to components of the flu vaccine should avoid it. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on personal health conditions.
What’s New This Season?
This year’s flu vaccine has been updated to better match the circulating strains, although the changes are not drastic. The 2025-26 vaccine is a trivalent formulation, protecting against two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. Notably, it targets a specific strain of the influenza A/H3N2 virus expected to be prevalent.
Ryan Maves, a professor of medicine at Wake Forest University, notes that these updates are in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendations. Such adjustments are typical as health organizations strive to improve vaccine efficacy each year.
Timing Your Vaccination
Experts suggest getting vaccinated in September, October, or early November. This timing allows the body to develop protective antibodies before the flu season peaks, usually in February. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of maintaining protection through February and into March.
Availability and Future Concerns
The availability of the flu vaccine this year looks promising. The FDA provided its formula recommendations to manufacturers in March, ensuring an adequate supply. Flor Muñoz, an associate professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine, confirms that flu shots should be available by September.
However, future vaccine development faces challenges. Kennedy’s decision to cut $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research has raised concerns. While mRNA flu vaccines are not yet approved, the funding cuts could impact future advancements in vaccine technology.
“The federal government’s changes — funding cuts, vaccine committee purges, deviations from existing procedures — are increasing uncertainty,” experts caution.
Despite these challenges, the current flu vaccine remains a critical tool in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. As flu season approaches, individuals are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers and consider vaccination as a proactive health measure.
In conclusion, while the flu shot may not offer absolute protection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes. As the healthcare landscape evolves, staying informed and proactive about vaccinations remains essential.
