California 2026-27 Flu Season

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CDPH Issues Immunization Recommendations for 2026-27 Respiratory Virus Season​

September 4, 2026
CDPH and the West Coast Health Alliance reaffirm commitment to vaccine guidance, reflecting a broad consensus on the protective benefits of vaccines

What You Need to Know: California believes that immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission and health care system strain.

Sacramento – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) are issuing immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. These recommendations are informed by trusted national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness including hospitalization and death, community transmission and health care systems strain. Our recommendations highlight the importance of protecting people most impacted by these respiratory viruses. This includes the youngest and oldest individuals in our states; other individuals at higher risk for complications, including people who are pregnant; individuals living in congregate settings; and those who live or work with people at higher risk. This season we have added an emphasis on the importance of protecting our healthcare workers from serious illness as they care for our communities.

“I am proud to work with our public health colleagues and immunization leaders in the other West Coast Health Alliance member states to update our recommendations and ensure our communities are well prepared and protected for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season,” said Dr. Erica Pan, State Public Health Officer.

Californians can access COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center. They can also search for a clinic on My Turn, California’s Vaccine Scheduling & Information Site.

For up-to-date information on respiratory virus activity in California, see the CDPH Respiratory Viruses Hub.

Californians can access vaccine recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season (PDF)and other up to date recommendations on the CDPH Vaccines for All webpage. All vaccines recommended by the California Department of Public Health continue to be covered by health insurance regulated in California.

The West Coast Health Alliance is a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR26-028.aspx

 

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Butte County Public Health Administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2026
Public Health Confirms First Flu Death of the Season,

Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated

Vaccines Remain the Best Protection Against Severe Respiratory Illness

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif.

– Butte County Public Health (BCPH) has confirmed the first influenza-

related death of the 2026–27 flu season in Butte County. The individual was in their 90s and died from

complications related to influenza. BCPH extends its heartfelt condolences to the individual's family

and friends. This death serves as a reminder that influenza can cause serious illness and even death.

BCPH urges residents, aged six months and older, to get vaccinated against the flu and other

respiratory illnesses as early flu activity has already been detected in California.

“No one expects to lose someone to the flu, and that’s what makes a moment like this especially hard,” said Dr.

Jarett Beaudoin, Butte County Health Officer. “Flu and other respiratory vaccinations like COVID-19 and RSV

continue to provide the best protection against serious illness.

... https://www.buttecounty.net/Documen...qN936q4etFpSqyz4Dw_aem_lJeWMzkC0klcakA3MsFvuw

”

 

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San Mateo County​

October 20, 2026
San Mateo County recorded its first flu-related death of the season, Public Information Officer Preston Merchant said. The death occurred in late August, but the exact date and details about the deceased were not disclosed.

Flu-related hospitalizations are up more than threefold compared to a similar point last year, according to county health records.

Nearby counties in the Bay Area are also experiencing a similar early rise in cases. According to the California Department of Public Health, the Bay Area has the highest positive test rate for flu in the state, at 13.31%. For comparison, Central and Southern California are at 6.48% and 7.58%, respectively.

“Flu at this time of the year is expected,” said Merchant, but the early rise in cases is atypical.
... https://peninsulapress.com/2026/10/...it-hard-with-flu-looks-to-boost-vaccinations/

 

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Los Angeles County

LA County reports first 2 flu deaths of season as hospitalizations rise​

10/23/26
Excerpt:

According to the Department of Public Health, flu activity is the county is higher than usually seen this time of year. Health officials said that during the week ending Oct. 10, 7.9% of specimens tested at county laboratories were positive for flu, while emergency department visits for flu-like illness rose to 4.2%, up from 3.8% the prior week.

Also that week, the number of people admitted to hospitals with the flu rose from 115 to 144.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/...s-of-season-as-hospitalizations-rise/3960144/