INDIANA — Health officials across Indiana are urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza ahead of the peak winter season, encouraging all Hoosiers to say “Boo to the Flu” and receive their flu shot before Oct. 30.
The call for heightened awareness comes as public health agencies report declining vaccination rates nationwide despite high rates of severe illness and mortality. During the 2024–2025 flu season, fewer than 50% of Americans received an influenza vaccine.
The impact of reduced coverage was felt significantly both nationally and locally. The 2024–2025 season saw 290 pediatric flu-related deaths across the United States—the highest single-season toll among children since the 2009 influenza pandemic. In Indiana alone, health officials reported 664 total flu-related deaths during the same period.
Medical experts emphasize that annual flu vaccination remains the safest and most effective defense against the virus, significantly reducing the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death while helping prevent transmission in schools, workplaces, and homes.
Where to Get a Flu Shot in Indiana
Flu vaccines are widely available across the state, often at no out-of-pocket cost with most private health insurance plans, Medicare Part B, or Medicaid:
- Local Pharmacies: Major retail chains (such as CVS, Walgreens, Meijer, and Walmart) and local independent pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations or online appointment scheduling.
- County Health Departments: Local county health departments provide immunizations for children and adults, including low-cost or free vaccines for uninsured or underinsured residents through state-funded programs.
- Primary Care Providers & Urgent Care: Patients can schedule a vaccine through their primary care physician, local health clinics, or primary care networks such as IU Health and Ascension St. Vincent.
Health officials recommend that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine, ideally before the end of October, to ensure full protection before seasonal transmission surges.
