Fewer than 1 in 10 Virginians have received a flu shot for the 2026–27 season, even as flu activity is rising earlier than usual in parts of the country. As of Oct. 16, 9.9% of residents had been vaccinated, according to Cardinal News, citing Virginia Department of Health data. In many counties in far Southwest and Southside Virginia, coverage stood at only about 3% to 6%.
Flu activity in Virginia remains low, and officials have not predicted how severe the season will be. But a flu shot takes about two weeks to build protection, so the gap matters for households heading into school outbreaks, holiday travel and family gatherings. Families with infants, older parents or relatives with chronic illness have the most at stake.
