San Francisco Records First Flu Fatality of Season
“This sad news reminds us that respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID should be taken very seriously, especially for people who are at higher risk of getting sick,” said Dr. Susan Philip.
San Francisco health officials reported the city’s first flu-related death of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season on Thursday, according to an announcement from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The deceased individual was an adult, though city health officials did not disclose the patient’s exact age, vaccination status, or whether they had underlying health conditions.
Early Statewide Toll Defies CDC Timeline
The death arrives early in the respiratory virus season, occurring roughly two weeks before the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tabulation marks the start of flu season. Data from the California Department of Public Health indicates that 26 people have died statewide from the flu so far this season, though it remains unclear whether the San Francisco fatality is included in that state total. Nationally, CDC data lists current levels of respiratory virus activity as “very low,” though infections typically increase during fall and winter months.
Health Officers Push October Vaccination Deadlines
San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip urged residents to take respiratory illnesses seriously in the wake of the announcement. “With fall festivities approaching, we want people to stay healthy and do all the fun and joyful things they want to do. Vaccines help make this happen,” Philip said in a statement.
City health officials recommend that everyone over the age of six months receive an annual flu vaccine before the end of October. High-risk groups—including infants, toddlers, adults over the age of 65, and pregnant individuals—are especially advised to get immunized. Older adults may be eligible for a higher-dose version of the shot. In addition to flu shots, the San Francisco Department of Public Health encourages residents to stay current on updated COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, noting that both flu and COVID-19 immunizations can be administered during the same visit.
Accessing Free Shots and Historical Tolls
Residents over the age of four who do not have health insurance can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines free of charge at the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s AITC Immunization and Travel Clinic located at 27 Van Ness Ave.
The city recorded 16 flu-related deaths during the 2025-26 season and 30 deaths during the 2024-25 season.
Targeted Guidelines for RSV Immunization
The San Francisco Department of Public Health recommends the RSV vaccine for previously unvaccinated adults ages 75 and older, adults ages 50 to 74 with risk factors, and previously unvaccinated pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.
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