WEEKLY UPDATE: 10/15/26
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging families to take steps now to protect themselves and their loved ones as respiratory virus season begins. Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are highly contagious viruses that typically begin circulating more widely in the fall and winter. State surveillance data from recent seasons show flu activity rising sharply around December. DPH encourages people to get vaccinated in October, allowing the body about two weeks to build protection before the run-up to peak respiratory virus season.
“Every respiratory season, we see how much a little preparation helps families stay healthy, and that preparation starts with a conversation,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said in an October 13 press release. “Flu vaccine is our strongest protection against severe flu illness, and we recommend it for everyone six months and older. This year, many states are seeing marked rises in flu cases already, Connecticut is not far behind. For COVID-19, we recommend vaccination for children under two and for people at higher risk. For everyone else, we encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you.”
DPH endorses recommendations for the 2026-27 season aligned with evidence and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, which tracks trends in national respiratory virus activity and publishes weekly summaries, Connecticut’s respiratory illness activity is currently “very low” but seasonal flu activity is increasing in many parts of the country.
New ‘Protect Who Matters Most’ Video Series
Alongside its vaccine guidance, DPH is promoting its Protect Who Matters Most campaign, which features animated, modern-day School House Rock-style videos, each with a unique song and theme, centered on one core message: ask questions, make informed decisions, and protect the people who matter most.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to display and share campaign assets, including free digital posters that reinforce the video themes. Below are direct links to the videos on YouTube and posters available for download on DPH’s Immunization web page:
- VIDEO: Life Before Vaccines
- VIDEO: Vaccine Questions and Answers
- VIDEO: Vaccine Safety and Approval
- VIDEO: How Vaccines Work
- POSTER: How vaccines work
- POSTER: Herd Immunity
- POSTER: How we know that vaccines are safe
- POSTER: What to expect after getting vaccinated
As part of the campaign, DPH has also developed an Immunization Guide for Parents and Caregivers.
Additional immunization information and resources for healthcare providers, including Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP) providers, Connecticut school nurses, and healthcare providers with access to CT WiZ:
Related News:
Protect Who Matters Most: State Public Health Vaccination Awareness Campaign
CHA Statement on Formal Announcement of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative
Connecticut Health Officials Reaffirm Recommendation for Hepatitis B Birth Dose
