CDC Data Shows Flu Vaccine Disappoints Again

Experts' flu shot recommendations fail to deliver as vaccine efficacy plummets

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:05am

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The latest CDC data reveals extremely low effectiveness for this year's flu vaccine, particularly among seniors and adults. Despite relentless promotion of the flu shot by prominent COVID-era experts like Ashish Jha and Anthony Fauci, the vaccine provided minimal protection against influenza infections and hospitalizations during the 2025-2026 winter season.

Why it matters

The poor performance of the flu vaccine, which public health officials have long urged the public to receive, raises questions about the credibility of expert advice and the ability of health agencies to develop effective vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations.

The details

The CDC found the flu vaccine had just 22-34% effectiveness against outpatient visits and 30% effectiveness against hospitalizations among adults over 18. For seniors over 65, the vaccine was only 44% effective at preventing hospitalizations compared to 46% in unvaccinated controls. Experts had selected the wrong influenza A strain for the vaccine, with 88% of infections being a drifted subclade not covered by the shot.

  • The CDC's interim estimates cover the 2025-2026 flu season from September 2025 to February 2026.
  • The flu vaccine selection process occurred prior to June 2025, before the dominant influenza A strain was identified.

The players

Ashish Jha

Former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator who relentlessly promoted the flu vaccine.

Anthony Fauci

Former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who also urged the public to get both the flu and COVID-19 shots.

Jay Bhattacharya

Current interim director of the CDC and NIAID, leading reforms at federal health agencies.

Marty Makary

Current commissioner at the FDA, focused on evidence-based medicine.

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What they’re saying

“The good news is you can get both your flu shot and your COVID shot at the same time. It's actually a good idea. I really believe this is why God gave us two arms—one for the flu shot and the other one for the COVID shot.”

— Ashish Jha, Former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator

“I think that that's an important point to make too—that if I get the flu shot, I'm not just protecting myself, but I'm also contributing to helping protect my family... and the general community.”

— Anthony Fauci, Former NIAID Director

What’s next

The CDC will continue to monitor flu vaccine effectiveness and update recommendations for the 2026-2027 season based on emerging data.

The takeaway

The poor performance of the flu vaccine, despite relentless promotion by prominent public health experts, further erodes public trust in official health guidance and highlights the challenges facing federal agencies in developing effective vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations.