California 2026-27 Flu Season

[Commonground]

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

 

[Commonground]

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

”

 

[Commonground]

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/

 

[Commonground]

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/

 

[Commonground]

[Note: Their reporting period or the stats below is from 07/05/2026 - 10/24/2026]

County of Fresno
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2026
CORRECTION: Fresno County Confirms the First Two Influenza-Associated Deaths of the 2026-2027 Influenza Season

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has confirmed the first two influenza-associated deaths of the

2026-2027 influenza (flu) season in Fresno County. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families of

these individuals,” says Dr. Trinidad Solis, Fresno County Health Officer. “With influenza infections increasing during

this time of year, it is important for people to get a flu vaccine if they have not already done so.”

The FCDPH monitors trends in flu activity and provides surveillance reports through the Weekly Influenza Update.

Nationwide, there have been 83 influenza-associated deaths among individuals aged 18-64 years and five pediatric

influenza-associated deaths (ages 0-17) as of October 24, 2026. In California, there have been 87 influenza-associated

deaths among all ages and 2 pediatric influenza-associated deaths as of October 24, 2026. Current data, including

emergency department statistics, hospitalizations, and wastewater testing, show influenza activity is increasing in the

Central Valley region.

According to the California Department of Public Health, everyone ages six months and older is recommended to

receive an annual flu vaccine. Children under nine years of age who have received one or fewer doses in their lifetime

should receive two doses this season, four weeks apart. Vaccination is especially important for individuals at higher risk

for severe illness, including adults aged 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant individuals,

and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.

In addition to vaccination, the FCDPH recommends the public take the following steps to protect themselves and others

against flu and other respiratory viruses this winter:

continued: https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/file...-Deaths-of-the-2026-2027-Influenza-Season.pdf

 

[Commonground]

California Respiratory Virus Dashboard​

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/RespiratoryVirusReport.aspx

 

[Commonground]

Pasadena Public Health Department Urges Community to Get Flu Vaccine as Cases Rise​

November 3, 2026
PASADENA, Calif.— The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) urges everyone 6 months and older who has not yet received this season’s flu shot to get vaccinated as flu activity increases in California and Los Angeles County.

As of October 24, California recorded 22,869 positive influenza tests, a 211.2% increase compared to the 7,348 positive influenza tests in September. Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, is also experiencing an earlier increase in flu activity at a greater rate than last year. No flu deaths have been reported to PPHD for this seasonal year.
-snip-
Flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness, particularly for older adults and people with underlying medical conditions. Everyone ages 6 months and older can get their free flu vaccine offered by the Pasadena Public Health Department at one of the final two community clinics this fall:

Thursday, Nov. 5, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Allendale Branch Library

1130 S. Marengo Ave.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Hill Avenue Branch Library

55 S. Hill Ave.

“This year’s flu season is starting early. Getting a flu shot can help you avoid serious illness and hospital visits,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer. “If you feel like you have the flu, contact your health care provider to see if antiviral medication may be right for you.”

https://www.cityofpasadena.net/publ...community-to-get-flu-vaccine-as-cases-rise-2/

 

[Commonground]

[I see 45,304 as cumulative positive influenza tests...]

California Respiratory Virus Dashboard​

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/RespiratoryVirusReport.aspx

 

[Commonground]

SCPH Reports First Flu Death of Season and Urges Vaccination​

Published On November 04, 2026
Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) today confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2026-27 flu season. The death involved a woman in her 50s with underlying chronic medical conditions who was not vaccinated against the flu.

“This is a stark reminder that the flu can cause serious illness and even death, but vaccination remains our best defense,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu.

“Everyone aged 6 months and older should get vaccinated for influenza now, especially with flu circulating very high in California currently.”

The woman developed respiratory symptoms in mid-October and was diagnosed with Influenza A (Flu A). She was hospitalized a few days later and died shortly after.

This season’s report of the first flu-related death comes about a month earlier than last year’s, which was reported in late November 2025.

SCPH encourages all residents to protect themselves by getting vaccinated this fall. Vaccines are key in preventing and protecting against respiratory viruses including flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

How to get vaccinated?

• Drop into one of the SCPH 2026-2027 Free Flu Vaccine Clinics.
• Use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to find a clinic near you.
• Contact the SCPH Immunization Assistance Program (IAP) for more information.

Why the flu vaccine?

• An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone six months of age and older who is able to get vaccinated safely. It takes two weeks for the body to build up protection aftergetting the vaccine, so early vaccination is advised.
• Dr. Luu recommends getting vaccinated for the flu now, as flu is circulating high in our community and will continue to increase as we enter the holiday season and families start to gather together indoors.

Why COVID-19 & RSV Vaccines?

• Covid-19 vaccines are available for everyone aged 6 months and older and RSV vaccines are recommended for specific high-risk groups.

SCPH tips to protect your health:

• Stay Home If Sick: If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, staying home helps prevent the spread of viruses.
• Test and Treat: If you develop symptoms, test for COVID-19 and flu. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you test positive, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Always cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose or
• your shirt’s upper sleeve if a tissue is unavailable.
• Ventilate Indoor Spaces: Ensure good airflow by opening windows and doors when possible.
• Consider Wearing a Mask: Wearing a high-quality mask in crowded or indoor spaces can reduce transmission, especially if you're feeling unwell or have a preexisting illness that affects your body’s immune system.

SCPH Reports First Flu Death of Season and Urges Vaccination

Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) today confirmed the first flu-related death of the 2026-27 flu season. The death involved a woman in her 50s with underlying chronic medical conditions who was not vaccinated against the flu.

www.saccounty.gov