Vermont Influenza Season 2025-26

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VT Dept. of Health
Weekly Flu Surveillance Report

Timeframe: 01/19/2025 - 01/25/2025

• Vermont is working with CDC to refine the state Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Activity Level used in weekly reporting. This information will be updated as it becomes
available.

• Current Vermont ILI activity is increasing, with more people seeking care for ILI.

Patient visits for ILI are within an expected range for the flu season.

• COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are also being spread during this flu season.

Vaccination and respiratory illness prevention strategies are recommended. Visit healthvermont.gov/StayHealthy for respiratory virus prevention and treatment
information.
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Laboratory Data

The National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collects data on the number of PCR flu tests performed by participating Vermont labs and how many were positive. This helps determine flu activity in the community.

37.27% of flu PCR tests run this week were positive compared to 23.92% the previous week. Of the total tests this week, about 36.9% were flu A positive and less than 1%
were flu B positive. During the 2024-25 season, about 10.1% of flu PCR tests reported through NREVSS have been positive.

Continued: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/...rt-week-04.pdf

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2 Central Vermont schools shut down for sick days
Washington County
Published: Jan. 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM EST

PLAINFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) - An uptick in flu, COVID, and a stomach bug shuttered two Washington County schools this week and overwhelmed a local hospital.

Tuesday was a sick day for students and staff at the Cabot School and Twinfield Union. Both schools closed their doors, overwhelmed with students and teachers under the weather.
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The surge isn’t just overwhelming schools. Officials at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnbury say their ER is full.
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“We had a couple of medical surges over the weekend, which is a term we use when we have a large {number} of people come through and not enough beds to care for them,” said the hospital’s Shawn Tester.

“We are seeing an increased activity in flu at the moment, both in Vermont and nationally. Also seeing RSV tick up as well. Anecdotally, there seem to be other viruses going around as well, so-called cold viruses,” said The Vermont Department of Health’s John Davy.

https://www.wcax.com/2025/01/29/2-central-vermont-schools-shut-down-sick-days/

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Department of Health
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2025



Your Health Matters This Cold and Flu Season
Vermonters should get vaccinated now to protect themselves and loved ones from severe illness

WATERBURY, VT — With winter approaching, Vermont health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from flu, COVID-19 and RSV – including getting vaccinated.

“Vaccination helps keep our communities strong,” said Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant, MD. “By staying up to date on recommended vaccines, we not only reduce our own risk of severe illness, but we also help protect those around us.”

This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated to target the most recent strains of the viruses and are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Immunizations for RSV are also widely available for pregnant people, infants, and older adults.

People at higher risk of serious illness, including older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.

Vermont health officials published updated recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine this year to help ensure anyone who wants the vaccine is able to get it. Anyone age 5 and up can get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at a pharmacy. Vaccines are also available through health care providers, including for children under age 5 – reach out to your provider to learn more.

Health insurance will cover the cost for most people to get vaccinated. Adults younger than 65 without health insurance, or whose insurance does not include immunizations, can get vaccines at no cost through their Local Health Office.

Like any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. They're usually mild, like a sore arm or feeling tired for a day or two.

“Good health is a shared effort,” Dr. Hildebrant said. “Getting vaccinated, washing hands often, and staying home when sick all help us care for ourselves and each other. If you have questions about vaccines, talk with your health care provider or pharmacist. They can help you make the best decision for you and your family.”

Stay in-the-know this respiratory virus season:

The Health Department monitors flu activity seasonally, COVID-19 throughout the year and publishes an annual vaccination dashboard.

Find more information at HealthVermont.gov/StayHealthy.

https://www.healthvermont.gov/media/current-news-releases/your-health-matters-cold-and-flu-season