The flu season has officially arrived early; officials urge vaccinations as soon as possible.

There’s a saying about flu seasons, says Kristy Michie, an epidemiologist and assistant director of public health for the County of Monterey: “If you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen one flu season.” In other words, influenza never acts the same way twice. This year, the virus has arrived early in the U.S., as evidenced by rising test positivity levels, among other indicators.

In Monterey County, recent test positivity results are at 9 percent, compared to the past two seasons at this time when results were at 1 percent. The current rate is where the county generally is after Thanksgiving.

“If you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen one flu season.” 

It’s unclear if anyone has been hospitalized for flu in Monterey County – hospitals are not required to report patients admitted for flu. Michie says the number of flu-related visits are up. Statewide, at least 47 adults have died since August from flu-related complications.

The early start to the season is why officials are urging people to get vaccinated as early as possible.

“Now is the time,” Michie says. “To wait until later is not a good strategy.”

The recommendation in California is for anyone aged 6 months and older to be vaccinated to avoid serious illness and hospitalization, especially those most vulnerable: children under age 5, people age 65 and older, pregnant women and anyone with medical conditions putting them at higher risk.

There are free clinics throughout the county; a list is available at bit.ly/MCFluclinics2026. Pharmacies are another resource and Central Coast VNA & Hospice is holding drive-up clinics 10am-2pm every Friday through Oct. 30 at 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive in Monterey. The agency takes insurance for no-cost vaccines.