Rising flu activity across the U.S. is prompting online questions about vaccination as the 2026–27 flu season gets underway. Some commenters emphasize the importance of vaccination, while others question its necessity or share false safety claims about the newly available mRNA flu vaccine. Common questions focus on how flu spreads, why vaccinated people can still get sick, when to get vaccinated, including after an infection, and whether this season’s vaccines protect against circulating strains.
Recommendation
Communicators may use rising flu activity to reinforce the importance of seasonal vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, including people who are generally healthy. Messaging may explain how flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness and severe outcomes, even when they are not an exact match for circulating strains. Addressing common questions about vaccine timing, effectiveness, and vaccination after infection may also be helpful. As flu season continues, communicators can emphasize that vaccination remains beneficial beyond October and that flu activity typically continues for several months.
Reading links: NBC news
Communication resources: Use these key messages to communicate about flu vaccination this season
