Overview
- Health agencies and state officials urged immediate vaccination on Tuesday and Wednesday after surveillance showed flu activity rising earlier than usual, with positive tests concentrated on the West Coast and early increases in Colorado.
- The 2026–2027 influenza vaccine was updated for all three strains, including an H3N2 change to target subclade K, which dominated last season and drove heavy hospitalizations.
- Federal guidance recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, an updated COVID‑19 vaccine for eligible people, a single‑dose RSV vaccine for many older adults, and maternal RSV vaccination in weeks 32–36 to protect newborns.
- Colorado officials warned that the early uptick follows a record 2025–2026 season that produced 5,931 flu hospitalizations statewide, 1,169 pediatric hospitalizations, and eight pediatric deaths, prompting immediate outreach and reminders to seek care for severe symptoms.
- Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and clinics, take about two weeks to build protection, are often low or no cost through insurance or public programs, and officials say getting vaccinated now can help prevent the combined hospital burden from flu, COVID‑19 and RSV.