October 31, 2025

As the cold season arrives, Americans are gearing up against a mix of respiratory nasties—flu, RSV, COVID-19, plus others! Pharmacies and clinics are buzzing with people eager to update their vaccines. Even with changes at the top of US health leadership, the flu shot game plan for this year mostly stays the same. But wait, there’s a spicy twist! Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shook things up by replacing every expert on the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. Yet, the annual flu vaccine advice continues steady. So what's new about the 2025 flu vaccine? In July, a major move happened—Kennedy approved a change to stop using thimerosal, a preservative used previously in flu vaccines. Thimerosal, often targeted wrongly by anti-vaccine groups, has been proven safe by many experts. Thanks to better vaccine making, thimerosal’s role shrank to almost nothing. CDC points out that for the 2025-2026 flu season, thimerosal-free vaccines are the star, but this isn’t a shocker because 96% of flu vaccines were already free of it last year! Wondering who gets the flu shot? Anyone from 6 months old and up can get vaccinated—unless they have allergic reactions or other health reasons that say no. The FDA also greenlit FluMist in September 2024, a friendly nasal spray version. However, some groups like kids under 2, seniors over 50, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems should avoid it. Health bigwigs like the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians shout loud and clear: Everyone over 6 months should get the flu shot every year. It’s the best shield against flu and nasty complications like lung infections, heart or brain swelling, or even organ failure. Older adults (65+), adults over 50 with chronic illness, kids, pregnant people, immunocompromised folks, and healthcare workers must not delay their jab. Where to get your flu shot? For most grown-ups, local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are your go-to spots. You can book online or walk in. Insurance often pays for it, but checking your coverage is smart. Kids without full insurance or belonging to special groups can get free shots via CDC’s Vaccines for Children program. Adults with no or limited insurance have many places to get the flu vaccine at low or no cost, including clinics, community centers, schools, and workplaces. The website Vaccines.gov is your best guide to find the closest spot. This flu season, staying vaccinated is your best bet to dodge the sniffles or worse. So roll up those sleeves and join the fight against winter’s chill with a strong flu shot!

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Tags: Flu vaccine, Thimerosal, Flu shot eligibility, Respiratory illnesses, 2025 flu season, Vaccination access,