Every spring, long before the leaves turn and sniffles begin, scientists worldwide plan for the upcoming flu season. The flu vaccine you receive in the fall is carefully designed months in advance. For the 2025–2026 U.S. influenza season, the FDA announced its recommendations for which flu virus strains will be included, based on a worldwide review of flu data.
So, what does this mean for you and your family?
How Flu Vaccines Are Chosen Each Year
Unlike other vaccines, the influenza vaccine is updated annually because flu viruses are constantly changing. The FDA, CDC, and Department of Defense monitor which strains are circulating in the U.S. and globally. Each spring, experts convene to determine which strains should be included in the vaccine for the upcoming season.
In March 2025, experts reviewed surveillance data, vaccine effectiveness, and candidate strains. They selected a mix for optimal protection for the upcoming season.
What’s in the 2025–2026 Flu Shot?
For the upcoming season, the trivalent flu vaccine (meaning it protects against three strains) will look different depending on the production method:
Egg-based vaccines include:
- An A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus
- An A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
- A B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
Cell- or recombinant-based vaccines include:
- An A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus
- An A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
- The same B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
These strains were chosen because they are most likely to circulate in the U.S. this coming flu season.
Why This Matters for You
You might be asking, “What does this mean when I roll up my sleeve?” The vaccine you’ll get at Apex Urgent Care Clinic this fall is customized with the most up-to-date flu strains. That means your protection is as strong as possible against the viruses experts believe will spread in 2025–2026.
The flu vaccine does not just protect you—it helps protect your loved ones, coworkers, and community by reducing the spread of the flu. If you do get sick, being vaccinated often means your illness will be milder and shorter.
Comparing the Flu to Other Conditions We Treat
At urgent care, we see patients with strep throat, respiratory infections, and injuries like sprains or cuts. What makes the flu season unique is its ability to affect so many people at once. While a sprained ankle is one person’s problem, influenza can sweep through entire families, schools, or workplaces within days. That’s why prevention with the flu shot is so important.
If you are ever unsure whether you are dealing with the flu or another illness, our Houston doctor can evaluate your symptoms, run tests, and to get you the right treatment.
What You Can Do This Season
Aside from getting your flu shot, you can boost your protection with simple habits. Washing your hands, covering sneezes, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in crowded places. These steps remain effective for reducing flu transmission.
For parents, it’s essential to monitor children for the first signs of fever or cough. Kids under five are at higher risk of complications, and bringing them to the Apex Urgent Care Clinic early ensures they get the care they need.
Stay Ahead of Flu Season with Urgent Care
The start of flu season is unpredictable, but being prepared is your best defense against it. At Apex Urgent Care Clinic, we make it easy to get your flu shot, ask questions, and find answers when you are not feeling well. Our team, including a trusted Houston doctor, is here to guide you through the season.
So, when the first sniffles start making the rounds this fall, you will know you have taken the right steps to stay healthy.