It’s Flu Season Again — Time to Get Protected
As cooler weather sets in, flu (influenza), RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are once again spreading across the United States. Pharmacies and clinics are seeing long lines as Americans rush to stay updated on their annual vaccinations.
This year’s flu shot comes amid major changes in national health leadership, raising questions about vaccine policy and availability.
RFK Jr. Takes Over Federal Health Agencies
Since Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took charge earlier this year, every member of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee — the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — has been replaced.
Despite these sweeping personnel changes, the flu shot recommendations for 2025 remain largely unchanged, offering reassurance to Americans who remember the confusion around COVID-19 vaccination policies.
What’s New With the Flu Vaccine in 2025?
The good news is that there have been no major changes to how or when you should get your flu shot this year.
However, one notable update occurred in July 2025, when RFK Jr. approved a controversial ACIP recommendation to remove thimerosal, a once-common preservative, from all influenza vaccines.
Thimerosal has long been a point of public debate, though multiple studies have shown no link between the compound and health risks. The removal appears to be part of a broader government effort to increase public confidence in vaccines.
Why You Should Still Get a Flu Shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual flu vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Health experts emphasize that while COVID-19 and RSV have drawn attention in recent years, influenza continues to cause thousands of deaths each winter.
Getting the flu shot also helps reduce the burden on hospitals already managing respiratory illness surges.
“Even if you’re young and healthy, the flu vaccine helps protect your community — especially seniors, children, and those with weak immune systems,” says Dr. Laura Winters, an infectious disease specialist.
When Is the Best Time to Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends getting your flu shot between September and November, before the flu season reaches its peak.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop, so getting immunized early can provide stronger protection throughout the winter.
If you miss the early window, it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated any time during flu season, which can last until April or May in some areas.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot
Flu shots are widely available across:
- Local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Health, etc.)
- Primary care clinics
- Community health centers
- Many schools and workplaces offering free vaccination drives
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover flu vaccines at no cost.
Conclusion
While political changes in Washington have stirred new debates over vaccine policies, the science behind flu vaccination remains strong.
The 2025 flu shot is safe, effective, and more accessible than ever — and getting it helps protect not only you but also your community during another challenging respiratory season.
Stay healthy, stay protected — and don’t skip your shot this year.
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