The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated guidance for influenza vaccination during the 2025–2026 season. Annual vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza and its potentially serious complications. The full report is available through CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Key Updates for 2025–2026

• Vaccine composition: All U.S. vaccines will be trivalent, designed to protect against two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B lineage (Victoria).
• FluMist (nasal spray): FDA has approved FluMist for self-administration (ages 18–49) or caregiver administration (ages 2–17).
• Flublok (recombinant vaccine): Now approved for individuals as young as 9 years (previously 18+).
• Single-dose formulations: ACIP recommends that children ≤18 years, pregnant women, and all adults receive only single-dose vaccines free of thimerosal as a preservative.

Who Should Be Vaccinated

• Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older, unless contraindicated.
• Vaccination is especially important for those at increased risk of complications, including adults 65 and older, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women.

Timing of Vaccination

• Ideally, vaccination should occur by the end of October.
• Early vaccination is not recommended for most groups, as protection may decrease before the end of flu season.
• Vaccination should continue throughout the season as long as influenza viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccines are available.

Additional CDC Recommendations

• Vaccination can be co-administered with other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, when indicated.
• Individuals with egg allergy may receive any age-appropriate influenza vaccine.
• Health care providers are encouraged to use every opportunity to offer flu vaccination during patient visits.

Why Vaccination Matters

Annual influenza vaccination reduces the risk of:

• Serious flu-related illness and hospitalization.
• Emergency department visits due to flu complications.
• Transmission of influenza within communities and health care settings.