The flu vaccine is updated every year because the flu virus changes constantly.  This is why sometimes you can get the flu shot but still get sick with a different flu variant. If this does happen, you are still more likely to have a mild case of the flu and not need medical care. It also takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, so you could get the flu before your full immunity has built up. Science shows that the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get the flu shot. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine this fall.

Fewer people are getting vaccinated for the flu now than they did before the pandemic. This decline is especially notable in White children and adults. Last year, about 50% of people got the flu vaccine.

The flu can be deadly, and is especially dangerous for young children (under 5), pregnant individuals and adults over the age of 65. However, complications can still arise for people of all ages. Getting vaccinated not only protects yourself, but also protects those around you who may be more at risk.

Everyone ages 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine, and it is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. In the 2023-2024 flu season, getting vaccinated for flu reduced a child’s chance of a flu-related medical visit by 65%.

The flu vaccine this year is trivalent which means that it is meant to protect against three different strains of the flu. While there is a new “combo” flu and COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials right now, it has not yet been approved and is not currently being distributed, and might not be available by the end of 2024.

The flu virus is always changing, and we are still monitoring how the flu will behave this year.