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The Conversation
The Conversation
Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles

As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults

Vaccine Covid-19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Pandemic Disease
It's not too late to get a flu shot. Fat Camera/E+ via Getty Images

In February 2025, flu rates spiked to the highest levels seen in at least 15 years, with flu outpacing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this flu season as having “high” severity across the U.S.

The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why this flu season is different from last year’s and what people can do to help reduce the spread.

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