BRANSON, Mo. — Fall weather is beginning to settle across the Ozarks, and along with cooler temperatures, school activities and more time spent indoors comes the annual return of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says September and October are generally the preferred months for most people to receive their annual flu vaccine, with vaccination ideally completed by the end of October. Vaccination can still be beneficial later in the season while influenza viruses continue to circulate. CDC
For the 2026-2027 season, the CDC expects flu activity nationally to most likely fall within the moderate range, although officials caution that the severity of any flu season is difficult to predict before widespread transmission begins.
Last year’s flu season was considered moderate overall but reached a higher level of severity among children, according to the CDC. CDC
This Year’s Flu Vaccine Has Been Updated
The flu vaccine available this fall has been changed from last year’s formulation.
All three virus components in the 2026-2027 seasonal flu vaccine were updated to better match influenza viruses expected to circulate this season. One of those changes specifically targets an H3N2 strain that spread widely during the previous flu season.
Vaccines available in the United States this year are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three influenza viruses. CDC
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for most people 6 months of age and older, with some exceptions based on individual medical conditions or previous reactions. CDC
People who have questions about which vaccine is appropriate for them should talk with their physician, pharmacist or other health care provider.
Why October Matters
Flu activity can vary considerably from year to year, and the peak can occur at different times during the winter.
Getting vaccinated during September or October allows the body time to develop protection while avoiding vaccination too early in the summer, when immunity could begin to decline before flu activity reaches its highest levels.
Certain children who are receiving a flu vaccine for the first time may need two doses given at least four weeks apart, making earlier vaccination particularly important for those families. CDC
Adults age 65 and older are also among the groups at greater risk of serious complications from influenza.
Missouri and Arkansas Track Flu Activity
Health departments on both sides of the state line monitor influenza throughout the respiratory illness season.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tracks laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and emergency department activity through its statewide influenza surveillance system. Missouri’s previous surveillance season concluded Oct. 3, with reporting for the new season beginning as the traditional fall respiratory illness period gets underway. Missouri Health & Senior Services
The Arkansas Department of Health also monitors influenza along with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, through its viral respiratory disease surveillance program.
Arkansas health officials caution that reported flu cases represent only a portion of the people who actually become ill because not every case is tested or reported. Arkansas Department of Health
Flu Isn’t Just a Bad Cold
Influenza often begins suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and significant fatigue.
Although many people recover at home, flu can lead to serious complications, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Vaccination does not guarantee that someone will avoid the flu completely, but studies have found that it can reduce the likelihood of illness and may reduce the severity of disease in people who become infected. CDC
Everyday precautions can also help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. Health officials recommend frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with others when sick and staying home when experiencing significant illness.
Residents experiencing severe symptoms — including difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion or signs of dehydration — should seek medical attention.
As flu season begins in the Ozarks, health officials say the next several weeks offer residents an opportunity to prepare before respiratory illnesses typically become more widespread later in the fall and winter.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Arkansas Department of Health.
