FLU FACTS (preliminary data from the CDC)
32-57 Million
Last flu season, there were an estimated 32-57 million flu illnesses.
390,000 – 800,000
Last flu season, it was estimated 390,000 – 800,000 people were hospitalized with flu.
24,000 – 81,000
Last flu season, there were an estimated 24,000 – 81,000 flu related deaths.
Get Answers
Whether you've had a flu shot before or not, you might have questions about it.
We have the answers to your questions.
Flu shots cannot cause flu illness, although some people may have mild side effects. A flu infection is usually much worse than the side effects a flu shot can cause.
Flu vaccines can cause side effects for some people. Most of the time these are mild and go away on their own in a short time. These can include: soreness or redness where the shot was given, a headache, muscle aches, and feeling tired.
A flu shot is recommended every year because protection from the shot declines over time. Flu viruses are also constantly changing, so flu shots are updated each year to provide the best protection.
Yes, CDC studies show that a flu shot usually reduces the risk of getting sick with flu by between 40% and 60%. If you get a flu shot and do get sick with flu, being vaccinated can help make your illness less severe and keep you out of the hospital.
Flu season often starts in October and gets worse through the winter. It’s good to get a flu vaccine before the end of October. It takes about 2 weeks to have full protection after vaccination. Getting a flu vaccine at any time during flu season is better than not getting one at all.
While flu antivirals are the only drugs that are approved to treat flu illness, there many ways that people address flu symptoms if you do get sick. But it's better to avoid getting sick in the first place!
Getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid getting sick.
Health experts recommend that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated against flu each year, with rare exception. Vaccination is particularly important for some groups who are more likely to get seriously ill with the flu. This includes pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with certain chronic medical conditions. People who have concerns about allergies should discuss a flu vaccine with their health care professional.
The nasal spray flu vaccine contains a weakened form of live influenza viruses and is sprayed into the nose. This vaccine provides a needle-free option for protection against flu.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for people ages 2 through 49 years old. The nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy or for people who are immunocompromised.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first influenza vaccine to use mRNA technology. An mRNA flu vaccine teaches your body how to protect itself from the flu by giving your cells instructions to make a small piece of the flu virus. Your immune system learns to recognize and fight the virus if you are exposed to it later.
The mRNA flu vaccine is approved for adults 50 and older.
There are now two options for receiving the nasal spray flu vaccine. The vaccine may be administered by a healthcare professional in a healthcare setting, or it may be administered by the vaccine recipient or a caregiver who is 18 years of age or older. A prescription is required for at-home use of this vaccine.
Flu shots are closely monitored by the FDA and CDC each year to ensure they are safe.
Flu vaccines have a strong safety record. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines for more than 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.
As we head into flu season, if you're like most people, you have questions.
Getting a flu shot lowers your risk of getting sick.
And if you do happen to get flu, it's likely to be less severe. That way you won't
miss out on things you love to do and you're helping to protect those closest
to you.
Yes, it’s very important to get a flu shot each and every year because flu
viruses are constantly changing and immunity from the vaccine decreases
over time.
Every year, flu vaccines are updated to work against that season's viruses.
The best time to get your flu vaccine is in the fall, but getting it later can
still help.
Flu can be serious and severe. Every year, millions of people get sick.
Hundreds of thousands end up in the hospital. And in a bad flu season,
over 50,000 have died from flu.
On top of that, black and Hispanic Americans are hit hardest by flu.
A flu shot is the best way to keep from getting sick, being hospitalized,
or dying from flu.
Many of my patients are concerned that getting a flu shot will give them flu.
But you cannot get flu from a flu vaccine. While you may have short term side
effects like soreness, fatigue or fever.
The flu shot has not given you flu and any side effects you may have are
usually much milder than flu would be.
Yes, you can get a flu shot and a COVID shot at the same time if you're due
for both. It's safe to get both vaccines at the same visit. They are two separate
shots, and it's important to get both.
A COVID shot does not protect you against flu, and a flu shot does not protect
you against COVID.
Be sure to stay up to date with both vaccines. Flu shots are often free or low
cost. Most insurance plans cover flu vaccines at no cost to you.
If you don't have insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost flu shot
at your local community clinic or public health department.
You can get vaccinated against the flu at your doctor's office, neighborhood
Pharmacy, County Health Department or local urgent care center.
The flu vaccine provides important protection. Last flu season, people who
were vaccinated were 35% less likely to get flu than people who skipped
the shot.
If you do get vaccinated but happened to get flu anyway, the flu shot can make
your illness less severe and substantially reduce your risk of ending up in
the hospital.
Flu vaccines are monitored by the FDA and CDC to make sure they're safe.
They have a strong safety record.
Millions of Americans have been getting flu shots for more than 50 years,
and there's extensive research supporting their safety.
So don't worry, your flu shot is safe and effective.
Get My Shot
Where can I get a flu shot and how much does it cost?
Most insurance plans cover flu vaccines at no cost to you. You can get vaccinated at your doctor’s office or at most pharmacies, county health departments and urgent care centers. If you don’t have insurance, you can still get a free or low-cost flu shot at your local community clinic or public health department.
Protect Yourself
CDC reports that during the 2025-2026 season, there were an estimated 32-57 million flu-related illnesses, 15-25 million flu-related medical visits, 390,000 - 800,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 24,000 - 81,000 flu-related deaths.
Protect Your Time
People who get flu are usually sick for about a week. Being protected against flu and staying healthy means you can be there for loved ones who depend on you.
Protect Your Community
People with certain chronic conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from flu, including being hospitalized or even dying. Getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of giving flu to people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell anemia.
Protect Your Loved Ones
A flu vaccine helps protect the people around you who are more likely to get very sick from flu, like babies, young children, pregnant women, and older adults.
GET MY SHOT
Leading medical societies recommend that almost everyone get a flu shot each season.
There are many different flu vaccine options, including flu shots, a nasal spray vaccine, and special vaccines for people who are 65 years and older.