Local experts expect a milder flu season ahead compared to previous years, but it’s recommended everyone still get their seasonal flu shot.
And while COVID-19 cases have been trending downward, leading medical organizations recommend the shot for both adults and young children.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming flu season and vaccine guidance.
Influenza
During the 2025-2026 flu season, a variant of the H3N2 virus called subclade K drove flu cases. This year, the flu vaccine has been updated to include protection against subclade K and the other main strains of influenza, according to University Health’s chief epidemiologist Dr. Jason Bowling.
“It is hoped that the immune protection from this new vaccine and prior exposures will lead to a more moderate flu season,” Bowling said.
But, he noted, “even in a moderate flu season, we still see way too many deaths in adults and children every year in the U.S. We need people to still get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from severe illness.”
Experts recommend that everyone get the seasonal flu shot. The vaccine decreases the chances that you will contract the respiratory virus, and lessens the severity of the illness if you do get it.
The ideal time to get the shot is before Oct. 31, Bowling said, as that will give your body time to respond to the shot and produce the necessary antibodies, which help fend off infection. But you can still get the shot anytime afterward, as cases tend to peak between December and February.
You can get the shot at your local pharmacy or physician’s office free of charge for those with health insurance. If you’re not insured, local healthcare providers like University Health and the City of San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) host free community vaccine drives throughout the fall.
COVID-19
COVID-19 cases have largely been trending down over recent years, Bowling said, but it’s still important to stay up-to-date on vaccines, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
“The last two winters, we have seen more COVID-19 in the August-September time period and lower overall numbers in winter,” he said. “I am hopeful this continues again with lower numbers this winter.”
Even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the past, vaccine protection decreases over time.
The CDC changed its guidelines last year, now recommending vaccination for people 6 months and older based on shared decision making, meaning individuals should speak with their healthcare providers about getting the shot.
However, the country’s leading medical associations still advise that adults get an annual updated COVID-19 vaccine just like they do for influenza.
The associations, which include the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, also recommend the shot for children 6 to 23 months old, as well as older children and teens at risk of severe illness, those who have never been vaccinated, and those living in group settings or with someone who is at high risk.
It’s especially important to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you’re at higher risk of becoming severely ill from the virus. That includes:
- Pregnant women
- Anyone 65 years or older
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, COPD or asthma
Adults 65 and older are also advised to get a booster shot six months after initial vaccination for extra protection.
You can often get your COVID-19 shot at the same time as your flu shot.
