California CDPH Urges Flu Vaccination and Treatment as Cases Rise

CA Dept of Public Health News

Published January 13th, 2026

Detected February 13th, 2026

Summary

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a notice urging vaccination and timely treatment as influenza cases rise, including a new strain (H3N2 subclade K). CDPH recommends vaccination for all individuals 6 months and older, rapid testing for symptomatic individuals, and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk patients.

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What changed

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a notice alerting healthcare providers and the public to a rise in influenza cases and hospitalizations across the state. A new influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K, has been detected in California. The CDPH emphasizes that current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective against circulating viruses and urges vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, prompt testing for individuals with flu symptoms, and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals to reduce severe illness and hospitalization. The notice also confirms the second pediatric flu-associated fatality this season.

Healthcare providers and the public are advised to take immediate action. This includes getting vaccinated as soon as possible, seeking prompt testing if experiencing flu symptoms (especially if at high risk), and starting antiviral treatment without delay for suspected flu in high-risk or hospitalized patients. While the notice does not specify a compliance deadline, the urgency of the rising case numbers and the recommendation for immediate action imply a need for swift implementation of these public health measures. Failure to adhere to vaccination and treatment recommendations could lead to increased severe illness, hospitalizations, and potentially fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations.

What to do next

Administer influenza vaccinations to individuals 6 months and older.
Promptly test individuals with flu symptoms, especially those at high risk.
Initiate antiviral treatment immediately for high-risk and hospitalized patients with suspected flu.

Source document (simplified)

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Contact :

Office of Communications

media@cdph.ca.gov

CDPH Urges Vaccination and Timely Treatment as Influenza Cases Rise

January 13, 2026

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Young children and older adults remain at highest risk for severe flu complications

What You Need to Know: Flu cases and hospitalizations are rising in California. A new strain of influenza A, H3N2 subclade K, is circulating in California. CDPH urges vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, rapid testing of patients with flu symptoms, and immediate antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals.

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is alerting health care providers and the public that influenza (flu) activity and hospital admissions are increasing across the state. A newly emerged influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K, is circulating globally and has been detected in California.

“Current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “It is important for families to know that flu vaccines, tests, and treatments remain widely available for all Californians and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. As a pediatrician, parent, and daughter, I have made sure that my own family is protected with this season’s flu vaccine.”

CDPH has also confirmed the second pediatric flu-associated fatality in California this season. Young children and older adults remain at highest risk for severe flu complications, and there are several ways for families to take action to protect their health.

Take Action

Vaccinate Now: Everyone 6 months and older who has not yet received the 2025–26 influenza vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best defense against severe influenza and hospitalization. To schedule your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit myturn.ca.gov.
Test Promptly: Individuals with flu symptoms at risk for serious disease should check with their doctor to see if they should be tested in case they may benefit from treatment. At-home combined influenza/COVID-19 tests can be used when available.
Start Antivirals Immediately: High-risk and hospitalized patients with suspected flu should receive antiviral treatment without delay, even before test results are confirmed. Recommended treatments include oseltamivir or single-dose baloxavir, which reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.

Coverage and Availability

Despite changes in federal recommendations, CDPH’s recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the State of California and can be received at your local pharmacy, from your health care provider, or through other authorized vaccine providers at no cost. To schedule your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit myturn.ca.gov.

Resources

Visit the CDPH Respiratory Virus Dashboard for updates on influenza and other respiratory viruses. For healthcare providers, clinical guidance and resources is available at the CDPH Influenza Update webpage. The CDPH Flu Vaccine Toolkit is also available online and provides educational resources and downloadable materials about the benefits of the flu vaccine. For more information about flu prevention and vaccine eligibility, visit the CDPH Influenza webpage.

Page Last Updated : January 13, 2026