What Is New About the 2026–2027 Flu Vaccine?

The 2026–2027 U.S. seasonal flu vaccines are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three influenza viruses:

One influenza A(H1N1) virus
One influenza A(H3N2) virus
One influenza B/Victoria-lineage virus

For the 2026–2027 season, all three components were updated compared with the 2025–2026 vaccine. CDC specifically notes an update aimed at the A(H3N2) subclade K virus that circulated widely during the previous season.

For patients interested in the technical composition, FDA recommended the following for egg-based vaccines:

A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like virus
B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus

Cell- and recombinant-based vaccines use corresponding strains selected for those manufacturing methods.

Who Should Get the 2026–2027 Flu Vaccine?

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most people 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions.

Vaccination can be especially important for people at greater risk of complications from influenza, including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

Not sure which vaccine is appropriate for you? Ask our pharmacist before vaccination.

When Should I Get My 2026–2027 Flu Shot?

For most adults, September and October are generally preferred months for flu vaccination.

However, there are situations where earlier vaccination may make sense. For example, some children who require two doses can start as soon as vaccine becomes available because the doses need to be separated by at least four weeks.

CDC also notes that people who may not have another opportunity to receive the vaccine can consider getting vaccinated earlier.

The 2026–2027 vaccine is already in stock at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy. Call 909-532-5588 if you have questions about the best timing for you or your child.

How Long Does the Flu Shot Take to Work?

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.

That is one reason it is useful to receive the vaccine before influenza activity becomes widespread in your community.

Why Do I Need a Flu Vaccine Every Year?

There are two major reasons.

First, influenza viruses continually change.

Second, immune protection from vaccination decreases over time.

Because of this, flu vaccine composition is reviewed each year and updated when needed.

The 2026–2027 season is a particularly good example because all three vaccine virus components were changed from the previous season.

Can I Still Get the Flu After Being Vaccinated?

Yes. No flu vaccine provides 100% protection.

Vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season depending on factors such as circulating influenza viruses, vaccine match, age and individual health.

However, influenza vaccination can reduce the risk of flu and can also reduce the risk of serious flu-related complications.

Can the Flu Shot Give Me the Flu?

No.

Injectable flu vaccines cannot cause influenza illness. Flu shots use inactivated viruses or influenza proteins rather than infectious flu virus capable of causing influenza.

What Are Common Side Effects of the Flu Shot?

Common reactions may include:

Pain, redness or soreness where the vaccine was given
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches
Mild fever

These reactions are generally temporary.

Patients who have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine or who have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome should discuss that history with their healthcare professional before vaccination.

Which Flu Vaccine Is Recommended for Adults 65 and Older?

CDC preferentially recommends one of three types for adults 65 years and older when available:

High-dose inactivated influenza vaccine
Recombinant influenza vaccine
Adjuvanted influenza vaccine

If one of those vaccines is not available at the time a patient is being vaccinated, CDC advises using another age-appropriate flu vaccine rather than missing the opportunity for vaccination.

Call Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy at 909-532-5588 to ask which flu vaccine formulations are currently available.

Can People With an Egg Allergy Get a Flu Shot?

Yes.

CDC states that people with egg allergy may receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status, including egg-based vaccines.

Egg-free options also exist, including cell-based and recombinant influenza vaccines.

Ask our pharmacist about current product availability.

Are Preservative-Free Flu Vaccines Available?

Single-dose flu vaccine formulations that do not contain thimerosal as a preservative are available.

Because specific products and inventory can vary, call Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy if you are specifically looking for a preservative-free formulation.

Is the Flu Shot Safe During Pregnancy?

Injectable influenza vaccination is recommended during pregnancy.

Pregnant individuals should not receive the live nasal spray flu vaccine, but age-appropriate injectable flu vaccines can be used during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and have questions about vaccination timing or your medical history, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Does My Child Need One Flu Shot or Two?

It depends on your child’s age and previous vaccination history.

Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses during a flu season. When two doses are needed, they should be administered at least four weeks apart.

Children age 9 and older generally need one seasonal dose.

Bring your child’s vaccination record if available so the appropriate schedule can be reviewed.

Should I Get Vaccinated If I Already Had the Flu?

Generally, yes, once you have recovered and are eligible for vaccination.

Different influenza viruses can circulate during the same season, so having one influenza infection does not necessarily protect you from another circulating strain.

Can I Get a Flu Shot If I Am Taking Antibiotics?

For most people, taking antibiotics by itself does not prevent flu vaccination.

However, if you are moderately or severely ill—particularly if you have a fever—it may be appropriate to wait until you recover.

Ask our pharmacist if you are unsure.

Can I Get a Flu Shot If I Have a Cold?

A mild illness generally does not automatically prevent vaccination.

If you are experiencing a more significant illness or fever, contact the pharmacy before coming in so we can help determine whether vaccination should be postponed.

Can I Get My Flu and COVID Vaccines at the Same Visit?

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may generally be administered during the same visit when both are appropriate for the patient. CDC permits routine simultaneous administration of age-appropriate vaccines when there are no contraindications.

Ask Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy about current COVID-19 vaccine availability, eligibility and formulation before your visit.

I would use this wording rather than promising a “2026–2027 COVID vaccine” is currently in stock until your exact product is received and verified.

What About the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

FluMist is an FDA-approved live attenuated nasal influenza vaccine for eligible people 2 through 49 years of age.

It is not appropriate for everyone, including pregnant individuals and some people with certain medical conditions.

FDA has also approved self- or caregiver administration through an authorized prescription and dispensing process. Children ages 2–17 should have it administered by an adult caregiver rather than self-administering it.

Ask us about availability and whether a nasal flu vaccine is appropriate for you.

Can I Get More Than One Vaccine During the Same Visit?

Often, yes.

Many vaccines can be given during the same visit when they are medically appropriate.

This can be especially convenient for patients who need seasonal vaccination or who are catching up on missing vaccines.

Call us and tell us which vaccines you need so our team can confirm current availability.

Other Vaccines Available at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy

In addition to seasonal flu vaccination, ask Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy about:

COVID-19 vaccination
Shingles vaccine — Shingrix
RSV vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccines
Tdap / tetanus vaccination
Polio vaccine — IPV/IPOL
Other age-appropriate vaccines

Availability, age requirements, insurance coverage and individual eligibility may vary. Call 909-532-5588 before coming in if you need a specific vaccine.

Need Vaccines for Your U.S. Immigration Medical Exam?

Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy also helps patients who need vaccines related to their USCIS immigration medical examination or adjustment-of-status process.

A civil surgeon reviews each applicant’s vaccination history and determines which vaccinations are required based on age, documented vaccination history, immunity and CDC requirements.

CDC’s current immigration vaccination list includes protection against:

Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Rotavirus
Haemophilus influenzae type b — Hib
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Meningococcal disease
Varicella
Pneumococcal disease
Seasonal influenza

Not every vaccine on this list is required for every applicant. Requirements depend heavily on age and vaccination history.

For example, adults do not simply need every vaccine listed above. Your civil surgeon determines exactly which vaccinations are missing or required.

Is the flu vaccine required for immigration?

Seasonal influenza vaccination is included in the CDC immigration vaccination requirements for age-appropriate applicants when flu vaccine is available during flu season.

With the 2026–2027 flu vaccine now available, patients completing an immigration examination during flu season may be referred for vaccination.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for immigration?

No, it should not currently be advertised as a required USCIS immigration vaccine.

USCIS waived the requirement to provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation on Form I-693 effective January 22, 2025.

Patients may still choose to receive COVID-19 vaccination when eligible, but it is separate from the current immigration vaccination requirement.

Can I bring vaccines I received in another country?

Bring all written vaccination records to your civil surgeon.

CDC states that documented vaccinations received outside the United States can generally be considered if the records are valid and the vaccination schedule is consistent with accepted recommendations. The civil surgeon makes the final determination for Form I-693.

Do I have to complete every dose of every vaccine series before my immigration medical exam?

Not necessarily.

For multi-dose vaccine series, immigration applicants generally are not expected to wait months to finish an entire series when the minimum interval between doses has not yet passed. The civil surgeon documents appropriately when there is insufficient time to complete a series.

Learn More About Immigration Vaccines at Doctor’s Choice Pharmacy