Flu Vaccination Rates Have Fallen Significantly

Residents in Hempstead see lower uptake as the new respiratory virus season begins across the state.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in COVID-19

Gouache-painted illustration of a single medical vaccine vial on a metal tray, representing public health efforts in Hempstead. — Flu vaccination rates in Hempstead have fallen, prompting local health providers to launch mobile clinics as regional influenza activity increases. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you plan to get an annual flu vaccine this year?

National flu vaccination rates have dropped to 43.8% for the 2025-26 season, down from 52.1% during 2020-21. Health providers in Hempstead are now operating mobile vaccine clinics as the state faces a shift from sporadic to regional virus activity.

Why it matters

The decline in immunization uptake, driven by increased vaccine hesitancy following the COVID-19 pandemic, poses a public health challenge as respiratory infections rise. Understanding this shift is essential for residents looking to protect themselves and their community before peak transmission.

Federal statistics show a decline in vaccine uptake for individuals over 6 months old, comparing current 2025-26 season rates to those from 2020-21. While the severity of last season resulted in over 445,000 confirmed cases in New York, the exact impact of this lower coverage remains to be seen.

The players

CDC

The national public health agency that sets immunization recommendations and tracks the spread of infectious diseases.

The details

Influenza transmission has recently transitioned from sporadic occurrences to regional circulation, signaling that the virus is spreading more consistently across the area. To improve accessibility, local providers are utilizing mobile vaccine clinics to meet residents where they live and work. The CDC maintains its recommendation that everyone older than 6 months receive an annual flu vaccine to help build immunity before the predicted peak of infection.

2020-21: The flu vaccination rate was 52.1 percent.
2025-26: The flu vaccination rate was 43.8 percent.
October 2026: The current vaccination campaign is underway.
December 2026: Influenza cases are expected to reach their peak.
January 2027: Influenza cases are expected to reach their peak.

Health Landscape

Current flu vaccination trends reflect a broader, documented surge in vaccine hesitancy that has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift represents a departure from the high levels of public health adherence observed during the 2020-21 influenza season.

Residents should review their immunization status to ensure they are protected ahead of the anticipated surge in cases this winter. It is worth discussing the timing and necessity of a flu vaccine with your doctor to determine the best approach for your specific health needs.

The takeaway

Flu vaccination rates have dropped significantly, highlighting a need for increased awareness as regional case numbers grow. Consider speaking with your physician about the current vaccine recommendations to prepare for the peak of flu season expected this winter.