Emily Martin, an epidemiology professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, advises people to get the flu vaccine before Halloween. She stated that according to national clinical surveillance data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this flu season may begin earlier than usual.
Increase in flu cases
Martin says: "Typically, flu starts to emerge when students return to college and children go back to school. However, in recent weeks, flu activity seems to be ongoing." She emphasizes that now is a good time to get the flu vaccine, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
The importance of timely vaccination
Martin explains that October is usually an ideal time to get the flu vaccine, as it not only protects against early waves of the virus but also provides ongoing coverage until January and February when flu cases peak. She also points out that "the effectiveness of the flu vaccine decreases over time, so if you get vaccinated in June or July, it may have less effect in February."
However, she emphasizes that getting the flu vaccine at any time is more effective than not getting it at all. Martin said she plans to get her flu vaccine next week.
New type of flu vaccine
This year, for the first time, the flu vaccine is available using mRNA technology. In a published study, the mRNA vaccine produced by Moderna, called mFlusiva, was found to be up to 27 percent more effective in preventing flu compared to the four existing flu vaccines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this vaccine for individuals aged 50 and older.
Decline in flu vaccination rates
Despite the importance of vaccination, flu vaccination rates in the United States have declined in recent years. The flu vaccination rate among children dropped from 63 percent in the 2019-2020 flu season to 50 percent in 2024-2025. Approximately 300 children died in the 2024-2025 season due to complications from the flu, most of whom were unvaccinated.
The previous U.S. government has attempted to undermine flu vaccination recommendations in recent months, but official vaccination recommendations have remained unchanged. The CDC continues to recommend that everyone over 6 months old receive the flu vaccine.
The importance of medical consultation
Doctors and vaccine scientists say that recent government developments have caused confusion and doubt about vaccines. Dr. Ashlesha Kaushik, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and spokesperson for the AAP, says: "Vaccines should not be a political issue. They are scientific tools that have effectively prevented infections and deaths." She also advises parents to consult their doctor with any questions about vaccines.
Dr. Kaushik and her children have received the flu vaccine this year, and she says that the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent hospitalization and serious complications from the flu in adults and children.
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