Masking, distancing and travel guidelines have kept flu numbers low to non-existent globally, which leaves little data for researchers trying to predict which strains will be most infections next season.

Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Texas Department of State Health Services will provide 2.8 million doses of the flu vaccine for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program and the new Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative, according to a press release. “The flu vaccine is an effective way to prevent the spread of influenza, and expanding access to this vaccine is especially important this year so that our health care systems can focus on treating COVID-19 patients,” said Abbott. “The Texas Vaccines For Children Program and the Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative will provide these effective, voluntary vaccines to Texans across the state and help us protect the health and safety of our communities. For adults, one million flu vaccines will be distributed to residents who are at high risk of COVID-19 through the new program, Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative. RELATED: Doctors say to get flu shot to help avoid a ‘twindemic’