Flu vaccination rates are projected to drop by 12% in the U.S. this season, according to an Oct. 28 Bloomberg report based on information from CSL Ltd., a major flu shot producer.
Three notes:
1. The company anticipates vaccination rates during the 2025-26 influenza season — which typically starts in October and peaks between December and February— to drop 12% overall. Among adults 65 and older, rates are forecast to fall by 14%. Last season, less than half of U.S. adults and children received a flu vaccine.
2. The falling vaccination rates come as the nation is projected to see a moderate flu season. According to the CDC’s latest seasonal outlook report published in August, peak hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus will be similar to last season. Last year’s flu season was among the worst since 2010, with at least 47 million infections, 610,000 hospitalizations and 27,000 deaths.
3. Medical experts have also warned that recent changes to federal vaccine policy could further limit uptake and lead to more severe illness among vulnerable populations this virus season. In early October, the CDC voted to recommend COVID vaccines based on shared decision-making, breaking with past guidance that recommended the shot for everyone 6 months and older.
