Emergency Physicians Urge Vaccination During Flu Season

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flu season is here, and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the CDC recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot annually with rare medical exceptions.

"Emergency physicians routinely manage patients with severe flu, which can lead to complications and hospitalization," said L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. "Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and one of the most important and accessible tools available to prevent severe illness."

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe illness, including young children, older adults, those who are pregnant, and those with chronic medical conditions. Side effects from the vaccine are generally mild and may include arm soreness, headache, or nausea. The flu vaccine will not give you the flu. If you think you might not be eligible for a flu shot, you should consult with a physician.

Flu can often be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. But certain symptoms, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or persistent dizziness or confusion, can be signs to seek emergency care for flu.

 ACEP strongly supports the use of high-quality, evidence-based vaccine schedules as an essential component of public health and patient safety.

"Now is the time to get a flu shot if you have not already," said Dr. Cirillo. "Patients with concerns about the flu shot or other vaccines should talk to a physician. A flu shot is proven to protect against severe flu and potentially deadly but often preventable complications."

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org

SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians