National Influenza Vaccination Week
Get your flu shot during National Influenza Vaccination Week! Flu hospitalizes hundreds of thousands annually. Vaccination protects you and vulnerable populations.
About National Influenza Vaccination Week
Get your flu shot during National Influenza Vaccination Week! Flu hospitalizes hundreds of thousands annually. Vaccination protects you and vulnerable populations.
History & origins
National Influenza Vaccination Week is a U.S. public-health observance created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2005 to remind people that it is still time to get a flu vaccine later in the season. The first public announcement described it as a joint effort involving the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, and other partners, with the first observance taking place in 2006. It is an annual December awareness week, not an official holiday.
Why it matters
National Influenza Vaccination Week matters because flu can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and death, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and others at higher risk. The observance helps close the vaccination gap in mid- and late season by encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to still do so. It also supports community protection, since higher vaccination rates can reduce spread and strain on hospitals.
How to celebrate
Get flu vaccine. Encourage others to vaccinate. Share flu prevention tips. Support public health. Practice good hygiene.
Facts
- Flu hospitalizes 200,000+ Americans yearly
- Flu vaccine reduces illness risk by 40-60%
- It's not too late to get vaccinated
- Flu vaccine protects you and others
- Annual vaccination recommended for everyone 6+ months
Frequently asked questions
When is National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2026?
National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2026 is observed during the week of Monday, December 7, 2026.
What is National Influenza Vaccination Week?
National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual U.S. awareness week that promotes flu vaccination. It reminds people 6 months and older that it is still worthwhile to get a flu shot during the season.
Who started National Influenza Vaccination Week?
The CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005. The observance was launched with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, and other partners.
How do you celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week?
The best way to celebrate is to get a flu vaccine if you have not already. You can also share prevention tips, encourage friends and family to vaccinate, and practice good hygiene to help slow flu spread.
Is National Influenza Vaccination Week an official holiday?
No, it is not a federal holiday. It is a public-health observance focused on flu prevention and vaccination.
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