State health officials are urging Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated against the flu ahead of the holiday season, pointing to scientific evidence showing vaccines reduce serious illness as families prepare for gatherings and travel.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich highlighted the importance of flu vaccination during a visit this week to Bucktown Center in Dunmore. Officials emphasized that the body typically needs about two weeks after vaccination to develop protective antibodies, making early December a key window for protection before holiday events begin.
The flu vaccine is updated annually to guard against new virus variants, and health care providers recommend it for everyone six months of age and older. State health data show that since the start of the current respiratory virus season in late September, Pennsylvania has recorded more than 7,100 laboratory-confirmed flu cases, along with hundreds of adult and pediatric hospital admissions. Those numbers are consistent with levels seen at the same point during the past two flu seasons.
Older adults face a higher risk of severe complications from the flu, particularly those age 65 and older. State aging officials noted that vaccinations remain widely available through local pharmacies and health care providers, offering added reassurance for seniors and their families during the busy holiday season.
Cost is not expected to be a barrier for most residents. The flu vaccine is covered at no cost by most insurance plans when patients use in-network providers. For uninsured or underinsured individuals, vaccines are available through state health centers and federally qualified health centers. Children who qualify can receive free flu shots and other routine immunizations through the federal Vaccines for Children program.
State officials also pointed to Governor Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order 2025-02, signed earlier this year, which aims to protect access to evidence-based vaccines and provide clear guidance for families making health care decisions. The order directs state agencies to align policies with medical experts, establishes a centralized vaccine information portal, and creates a vaccine education workgroup to address misinformation.
In addition to traditional flu shots, eligible Pennsylvanians now have the option to use an FDA-approved nasal spray flu vaccine that can be self-administered at home after completing an online medical screening. The nasal spray is available for residents ages 2 to 49.
Health officials reminded residents that flu symptoms can resemble those of other respiratory illnesses, including RSV and COVID-19, and advised contacting a health care provider at the first sign of illness. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to publish weekly updates on flu and other respiratory viruses through its online dashboard to keep the public informed throughout the season.
Source: pa.gov