Health officials across Southern Maryland are urging residents to get their flu shot early this fall, after last season’s surge sent nearly 2,000 Marylanders to the hospital.
Maryland recorded more than 1,940 confirmed flu hospitalizations and seven flu-related deaths during the 2025-26 season, with the surge escalating faster than the year before, when more than 8,000 people were hospitalized statewide before the season peaked in February. State Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani has said vaccination remains “the most effective way to protect against severe complications from the flu,” and the Maryland Department of Health recommends the shot for everyone 6 months and older.
A new national survey commissioned by CVS Health found that 63% of Americans say they’re likely to get a flu vaccine this season — about the same share as the past two years — with 68% of those planning to get vaccinated by the end of October. Respondents nationally cited wanting protection before flu spreads widely, avoiding exposing vulnerable family members, and not missing work or school as their top reasons for getting an early shot.
That timing lines up with CDC guidance, which recommends vaccination in September or October, since it takes roughly two weeks after a shot for full protection to build. This season’s vaccine is formulated to target the H3N2, H1N1 and B/Victoria strains health officials expect to circulate most widely.
Locally, the Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s county health departments all offer flu vaccination, including free shots through the state’s Maryland Vaccine Program for uninsured adults and the Vaccines for Children program for uninsured or underinsured residents through age 18. St. Mary’s County Health Department runs seasonal clinics, including one in Leonardtown, and residents can find schedules at smchd.org/flu or by calling 301-475-4330. Retail pharmacies in Lexington Park, La Plata and elsewhere in the region also carry this season’s updated vaccine, and most private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare plans cover the cost.
St. Mary’s County posted a 52% adult flu vaccination rate in 2024, ahead of the statewide average of 48% — a gap health officials hope to widen further as flu activity picks back up this fall and winter.
