Health officials in the San Francisco Bay Area are urging residents to get their flu shots as autumn begins, amid warnings that seasonal influenza activity could rise earlier than usual.
The reminder comes as people spend more time indoors and respiratory illnesses begin to circulate across the region. Vaccination remains the main public-health measure being promoted to reduce the risk of serious illness and transmission.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and over, unless they have a medical reason not to receive it. Vaccines for the 2026-27 season are available as three-component, or trivalent, formulations.
California’s Department of Public Health said its recommendations for flu and other respiratory-virus vaccines remain unchanged for the current season. The department said the vaccines are covered by health insurance and Medi-Cal, while people without coverage can seek help through their local health department or the state’s MyTurn system.
The CDC has forecast a moderate influenza season nationally, although it has stressed that the severity and timing of flu activity can vary. California health officials have said vaccination is expected to help reduce the burden of hospitalisations during the autumn and winter months.
Officials are encouraging residents to arrange vaccination through their doctor or local pharmacy before flu circulation increases further.
