Flu Shot Updates 2025/2026
Flu Shot 2025/2026 — Stay Protected All Season Long
Flu season continues, and which flu viruses are circulating this year may be different than what was originally expected when the vaccine was made. Despite this, getting a flu shot still provides important protection against severe outcomes including hospitalization and death.
Where We Are Now
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We are currently in the administration phase of the 2025–2026 flu vaccine season — meaning vaccines are available at many DOHC clinics and patients are continuing to receive shots.
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Flu vaccines are still being administered at Primary Care, Infusion, Immediate Care, Specialty, and Mobile Health Unit locations at DOHC. Those who wish to be vaccinated but haven’t yet may still come in — our team will continue to vaccinate as long as vaccines remain available through April/May when vaccines expire.
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Though the ideal vaccination period is September through November to maximize protection before peak influenza activity, CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as flu viruses are circulating and vaccine is available.
About This Year’s Flu Strain
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This season is seeing the predominance of an influenza A strain known as H3N2 subclade K, which has evolved from the H3N2 strain included in this year’s vaccine.
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While the match between the circulating strain and the vaccine strain may not be perfect, data continues to show that influenza vaccination reduces the risk of severe outcomes — including hospitalization and death — compared with no vaccination.
Why Vaccination Matters This Season
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A less-than-perfect match does not make the vaccine ineffective. Flu vaccination still provides meaningful protection, especially against severe illness.
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CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older each year.
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In addition to vaccination, prevention strategies like good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and limiting contact with sick individuals remain important.
How We’re Reaching Members
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DOHC continues to share flu information through member text messaging support, email reminders, website updating, in-clinic conversations, and routine appointment reminders.
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Personal recommendations from your trusted DOHC providers remain one of the most effective ways to receive vaccination information and support.
Flu Shot 2025/2026 — Quick Q&A Facts Sheet
What is the flu vaccine and why do we need it?
The flu vaccine helps your immune system recognize and fight the influenza viruses that are expected to circulate during the season. Annual vaccination is needed because flu viruses change every year.
Is the vaccine a perfect match this year?
The dominant influenza strain this season (H3N2 subclade K) is genetically slightly different than the strain in the vaccine, but vaccination still reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Who should get a flu shot?
CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each season. This is especially important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications (e.g., older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions).
When should I get vaccinated?
While September and October are ideal, the CDC advises vaccination as long as flu viruses are circulating and vaccine is available — meaning you can still benefit from getting a flu shot now.
Where can I get my flu shot at DOHC?
Flu shots are available at multiple DOHC locations, including:
Appointments are often not required, but they are recommended, and vaccinations continue through the season.
Does the flu vaccine help prevent severe outcomes?
Yes — even if it doesn’t fully prevent infection, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
What else can I do to lower my flu risk?
In addition to vaccination, practice good hand hygiene, stay home when sick, and avoid close contact with others who are symptomatic.
Flu Shot 2025
Let’s Stay Healthy Together
Flu season is coming, and we’re here to help you — and those you care for — stay protected. Starting September 4, 2025, Desert Oasis Healthcare will have flu shots for everyone in the family, from kids to seniors, with no appointment needed. Stop by one of our walk-in clinics, swing through our drive-thru in Palm Springs, or visit during special pediatric hours. It’s quick, easy, and one less thing to worry about this season.
Walk-In and Drive Thru Flu Clinics SEPTEMBER:
Our drive-thru and walk-in flu clinics in Palm Springs will run through September 30, 2025.
After this date, flu vaccines will continue to be available at DOHC Infusion Centers and through your regular DOHC clinic appointments.
Pediatric Clinics:
Our pediatric clinics will be open later on Friday 9/19/2025 and Friday 10/17/2025 for both the Yucca Valley and Bermuda Dunes locations. On these dates these clinics will be open until 7pm to further assist our community and families.
Flu Clinic FAQs 2025
updated August 13 2025
DOHC Flu Clinics launch beginning September 4, 2025.
It is strongly recommended to get the flu shot to prevent the spread of flu and lessen the potential impact on the already over-stretched healthcare system. This is prevention 101 – we want staff and DOHC members to get the flu shot. The CDC recommends that people ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October. Even if you wait until after October, the vaccine will still be beneficial and provide protection
We have to do all we can. Just as with COVID, masks help, social distancing helps, cleaning hands frequently helps – but getting the vaccine is critical.
For ALL flu vaccine locations, appointments are NOT necessary.
Drive-Thru Flu Clinics
1. Are Drive-Thru flu clinics available?
Answer: YES – but only at the PALM SPRINGS DOHC campus
2. When does the drive-thru clinic start?
Answer: Wednesday, September 4, 2025
3. What are the hours for the drive-thru flu clinic?
Answer: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
Walk-In Flu Clinics
Starting September 4, 2025. Please view each location below:
- ALL DOHC Primary Care Doctors (PCP), Wellness Clinic & Immediate Care Centers (IC’s) will have flu vaccines available.
- Bermuda Dunes: Offered inside old pharmacy
- Indio/Yucca Valley: Vaccine/Infusion Clinics & PCP Offices
**Starting August 11, 2025, there will be a limited supply located at DOHC PCP’s, Wellness and Infusion clinics for those patients who have historically received vaccines early**
