Flu season is already here. Here’s what to know about this year’s flu shots.
Flu season has started earlier than usual, with cases rising since late summer and particular activity noted in Western U.S. states and Canada. Health officials and pharmacists recommend receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of October. A significant development this year is the FDA approval of mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine designed for adults aged 50 and older. Doctors urge immediate vaccination to protect high-risk groups, including young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions.
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- ✓ Flu cases have been rising since late summer.
- ✓ Flu activity is higher than typical for early fall in several Western states.
- ✓ The FDA approved mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults aged 50 and older.
- ✓ Health professionals recommend getting flu and COVID-19 shots by the end of October.
What changed
The FDA approved mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older.
Live updates
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Flu Season Begins Early With First mRNA Vaccine for Seniors
Flu season has started earlier than usual, with cases rising since late summer and particular activity noted in Western U.S. states and Canada. Health officials and pharmacists recommend receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by the end of October. A significant development this year is the FDA approval of mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine designed for adults aged 50 and older. Doctors urge immediate vaccination to protect high-risk groups, including young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions.
Why it matters
Influenza typically causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations annually. The early onset of this season disrupts traditional vaccination timelines and timing for peak immunity. Public health experts are now monitoring the spread of multiple respiratory viruses, including RSV and COVID-19.
What is confirmed
- Flu cases have been rising since late summer.
- Flu activity is higher than typical for early fall in several Western states.
- The FDA approved mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults aged 50 and older.
- Health professionals recommend getting flu and COVID-19 shots by the end of October.
Still unconfirmed
- Influenza cases are surging across Canada.
- Flu vaccinations have begun in Czechia.
What to watch next
- Data on whether the current vaccine is a good match for the circulating virus strains.
- Reported hospitalization rates for high-risk groups as the season progresses.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (22)
- MarketWatch — Flu season is already here. Here’s what to know about this year’s flu shots.
- CBC — How good is this year's flu shot? Here's what to know about flu season
- NPR — An early flu season means it might be time to think about a flu shot
- The Seattle Times — Flu season's unexpected twist: It started in Western states
- Los Angeles Times — Flu season didn’t start when or where it was expected. Get your shot now, health officials say
- www.ctvnews.ca — Flu season: Influenza cases up across Canada
- nypost.com — Flu season started earlier than expected — what to know about the brand new vaccine
- www.livescience.com — Flu season is off to an early start — here's what to know ...
- health.yahoo.com — Flu Season May Be Getting an Early Start This Year—Here’s What Experts Want You To Know Now
- www.mprnews.org — Flu season is here. What you need to know about getting ...
- market-watch.news — Flu season has begun: What to know about this year’s flu shots
- www.baltimoresun.com — What Marylanders should know this respiratory virus season | GUEST COMMENTARY
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