Society of Behavioral Medicine supports legislation to prevent the public health impact of the flu.

Seasonal influenza remains a persistent public health threat in the United States, causing tens of thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year despite the availability of effective vaccines. Ongoing challenges-including low vaccination uptake, health inequities, and declining trust in public health institutions-have hindered prevention efforts and left vulnerable populations at heightened risk. The Society of Behavioral Medicine calls for maintaining Medicaid funding, investing in vaccination promotion, and restoring public health data sources to mitigate the impact of influenza. During the 2024-25 flu season, the United States experienced its highest flu case numbers since 2009, with low vaccination uptake and deepening public mistrust in health institutions. Flu-related mortality remains substantial, disproportionately affecting older adults and Black Americans, while proposed federal funding cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and biomedical research threaten the nation's epidemic response capacity. Sustained investment in Medicaid, vaccination promotion, and data-driven research is essential to protect vulnerable populations, reduce flu-related illness and death, and strengthen public health preparedness.