MARION — The rate of “influenza-like illness visits and influenza-associated hospitalizations” in Massachusetts is at its highest peak in five years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“The percentage right now is actually higher than the highest peak of the last five flu seasons,” said Lori Desmarais, Marion Public Health Director at a Board of Health meeting Thursday, Feb. 6.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health shared statistics showing that the rate of influenza treatment reached a high of 8.93% in January 2025, approximately twice as high as the rate in January 2024.

Desmarais also explained that vaccination rates for influenza are at their lowest point since the 2021 season.

“Back in the 2021 season, vaccination rates for flu in Massachusetts was at about 45.2% and every year it’s been going down a little bit,” said Desmarais. “For the 2024-25 season, which is our current season, we’re at 37.6%.”

It is recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccination alongside practicing preventative behaviors such as washing hands, staying home from work or school if sick and avoiding close contact with those who are infected.