If you have been putting off your flu shot, the calendar is not on your side: the CDC says most people who need one dose should ideally be vaccinated in September or October, and October ends tomorrow. The good news is that there is no cliff. Vaccination is still recommended after October and throughout the season, as long as flu viruses are circulating.
What Is New in the 2026-2027 Flu Vaccine?
According to the CDC’s 2026-2027 flu season page, all three virus components in this year’s U.S. vaccines were updated compared with last season. The change includes a switch to protect against the A(H3N2) subclade K virus that the CDC says spread widely during the 2025-2026 season. The FDA issued its composition recommendations on March 13, 2026, a day after its advisory committee met.
All of the projected supply is trivalent, meaning it targets three strains. Manufacturers project up to 135 million doses for the U.S. market, 99% of which contain no thimerosal as a preservative, and 27% of which is non-egg-based. The FDA anticipates an adequate and diverse supply.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot This Year?
The CDC’s interim clinical considerations state that, because of legal uncertainties and inquiries, the recommendations from the July 2025 immunization schedule remain in effect for the 2026-2027 season. Groups highlighted in that guidance include:
- All children aged 6 through 59 months
- All adults aged 50 and older
- People with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
- Immunocompromised people and pregnant women
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- American Indian and Alaska Native people
- Adults with extreme obesity (BMI 40 or higher)
- Health care personnel and household contacts or caregivers of higher-risk people
People aged 6 months and older with an egg allergy may receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine, egg-based or not, according to the same guidance.
Which Flu Vaccine Is Best for Adults 65 and Older?
For most people, the CDC makes no preference among vaccines. The exception is adults aged 65 and older, who should preferentially receive a high-dose, recombinant or adjuvanted vaccine when available. Those are the HD-IIV3, RIV3 (Flublok) and aIIV3 (Fluad) options. A summary from AHCA/NCAL echoes that guidance.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
Timing matters because immunity can wane. Per the CDC, getting vaccinated in July or August is not recommended for most groups, with exceptions including children who need two doses and pregnant women in the third trimester. Children aged 6 months through 8 years who need two doses should get the second at least four weeks after the first, ideally by the end of October. People who are already fully vaccinated for the season do not need revaccination.
Why Getting Vaccinated Still Matters This Late
Flu viruses change from year to year, which is why the vaccine is reformulated and why last year’s shot does not carry over. Even when a vaccine is not a perfect match, vaccination is widely recommended because it can reduce the risk of getting sick and of serious illness. If you care for an infant, an older relative or someone with a chronic condition, your own vaccination also helps protect the people around you. Many pharmacies post their vaccine availability online, which makes it easy to line up a quick appointment before the weekend.
Your Quick Action Plan
- Check your status: Not sure whether you already had this season’s shot? Ask your pharmacy or provider.
- Book it this week: Pharmacies and clinics commonly offer walk-in or same-day appointments.
- Ask about your age group: If you are 65 or older, ask for a higher-dose or adjuvanted option.
- Do not panic if you miss October: Guidance supports vaccinating later in the season.
This article is general information and not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what is right for you and your family. For another seasonal health tip this weekend, read our sleep doctor tips for the fall-back time change. Stay with USA One News for more health updates.
