It's time get a flu vaccination. Here's who needs one and why
[October 02, 2025]
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s time to get a flu vaccine, and pediatricians are
urging people to get them after last winter, when the U.S. saw the most
flu-related child deaths in 15 years.
October is the ideal month to get protected, experts say, because flu
cases typically begin climbing in November.
“The best time is today. If you haven’t already had it, get it. I got
mine yesterday,” said Dr. Laura Riley, of the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Don’t like shots? This year marks the first time that some people can
try vaccinating themselves at home using the nasal spray vaccine FluMist.
Here’s what to know.
Who needs a yearly flu vaccination?
Just about everyone age 6 months and older, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and major medical societies. Despite lots
of recent misinformation and confusion about vaccines, the flu
recommendations haven’t changed.
Flu is particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women,
young children, and people of any age who have chronic health problems
including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weak immune systems.
About 71% of seniors roll up their sleeves every year, but less than 50%
of other adults do. Last year, just under half of children got a flu
vaccine, down from over 60% a few years ago.
Flu vaccines can keep you out of the hospital
Flu vaccines may not block all infections, but they do a really good job
of preventing severe illness and hospitalization, said Dr. Sean O’Leary,
of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Tens of thousands of Americans die from the flu every winter. But during
last year’s harsh season, the CDC counted 280 children who died of
flu-related complications. Nearly half had no prior health problems and
about 90% hadn't been fully vaccinated.
Another concern from last season: The CDC counted more than 100 children
who developed a rare flu complication — brain inflammation that can lead
to seizures, hallucinations, or even death. Very few were vaccinated.
Flu vaccination during pregnancy is two-for-one protection
It’s important for mothers-to-be to understand that a bad case of flu
can put them in the hospital or cause their baby to be born prematurely,
Riley said.
Flu shot protection also carries over to newborns, and infants too young
for their own vaccinations are especially vulnerable to flu.
Riley stressed that years of flu vaccinations show that recommendation
is safe for mother and baby.
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A pharmacist gives a patient a flu shot in Miami on Sept. 9, 2025.
(AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)
 Which flu vaccine to choose?
High-dose shots and those with a special immune booster are designed
for people 65 and older, but if they can’t find one easily they can
choose a regular all-ages flu shot.
For the shot-averse, the nasal spray FluMist is available for ages 2
to 49.
What's that new at-home vaccination?
FluMist has been available for more than 20 years, but the at-home
option is newly available for certain adults on the vaccine's
website. If they’re deemed eligible according to their age and a
medical questionnaire, they’ll be shipped FluMist timed to arrive on
a particular day, with instructions on how to administer it to
themselves or their children.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the home administration
option last year, too late to roll out for that season. It's
currently only available in 34 states, according to manufacturer
AstraZeneca, which hopes to expand access.
What do flu vaccines cost?
They’re supposed to be free under Medicare, Medicaid and most
private insurance plans if people use an in-network provider. Local
health departments also can provide free or low-cost flu
vaccinations for people who qualify.
As for the at-home FluMist option, the same insurance rules are
supposed to apply, but there will be an out-of-pocket delivery fee.
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, said Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas Health and Human
Services. They’re safe to give together and “that's a good way to
get them taken care of,” he said.
However, there still may be difficulty in finding COVID-19 shots —
especially through a government-funded child vaccination program —
given confusion after a federal advisory board quit recommending
them but said people could decide for themselves.
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