Now is a great time to get vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that seasonal flu activity is increasing in many parts of the country and is higher than typically seen at this time of year. During the week ending Oct. 31, 9.1% of specimens tested for flu by clinical laboratories nationwide were positive, compared with 1.1% during the comparable week in 2025. Hospitals also reported 8,396 flu-associated admissions that week, compared with 1,268 a year earlier. That's why health officials want people to get the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines now.
“Since it takes about two weeks for your body to build the antibodies to fight respiratory viruses, now is the best time to get vaccinated so you’re protected before the holidays,” says Dr. Marvia Jones, MPH, Ph.D., director of the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department.
The current flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-27 season have been updated to protect against the current strains that are circulating and reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the disease if you do become infected with the virus. The COVID-19 vaccines for 2026-27 focus on building protection against one of the current dominant strains of the virus called the JN.1-lineage XFG variant. This year’s flu vaccine offers protection from two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.
"Holiday gatherings are the perfect environment for germs to spread. Everyone is indoors, greeting each other with hugs and kisses, touching the same household surfaces and utensils. One sick person in attendance can infect multiple people," says Jones.
Even healthy people can become seriously ill with flu. An annual flu vaccine reduces your risk of illness and can make symptoms less severe if you do get sick, helping prevent missed work, school and holiday gatherings, adds Jones.
How to get your vaccine
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from most healthcare providers. If you are unable to get an appointment with a healthcare provider, many local health departments, urgent care clinics and pharmacies offer these vaccines without an appointment.
Most health insurance plans and Medicare cover the cost of seasonal vaccines in full but check your health plan to verify coverage. If you’re uninsured, there are several low-cost or free options. The Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines to children and teens age 18 and under at no cost. Federally qualified health centers and local health departments may offer vaccines at low cost or sliding scale fees. Discount programs, like GoodRx, may provide coupons to reduce the price of vaccines at pharmacies.
Stay healthy this season
In addition to vaccination, Jones says washing hands regularly with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home until you’re fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving are all ways to reduce the spread of illness.
