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Four medical groups released recommendations for the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season ahead of the CDC. The CDC has not yet issued new COVID-19 or RSV recommendations, instead carrying over last year’s flu guidance. Pediatricians are turning to major medical organizations rather than the CDC for guidance on vaccines for the fall and winter respiratory virus season, which runs from October through mid-May.
Four top medical groups released recommendations for the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season on September 2, each covering a different group of patients: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for children, the American Academy of Family Physicians for adults, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnant people, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America for people with weakened immune systems.
All four groups recommend a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, and their COVID and RSV advice varies by age and risk. Vaccinations are available at major pharmacies across the United States.
The American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota reviewed hundreds of recent studies of the flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines. Their findings, published in JAMA on the same day, found that the vaccines continue to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and identified no new safety concerns, according to the AMA.
COVID and RSV recommendations vary by age and risk. Flu, COVID, and RSV shots are already available at major pharmacy chains.
**Flu vaccine:** - Everyone 6 months and older. - Some children need two doses, given about a month apart. - Adults 65 and older should get an enhanced flu vaccine (high dose, adjuvanted, recombinant, or mRNA) when available, but shouldn’t delay vaccination to find one.
**COVID-19 vaccine:** - All adults 19 and older. - Adults 65 and older should get two doses each season, the second six months after the first. - Children 6 through 23 months. - Children and teens 2 through 18 who are at higher risk of severe illness, or whose parents want them protected. - Anyone pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or nursing.
**RSV shot:** - One dose for adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 at increased risk. - One dose during pregnancy. - A preventive antibody shot for infants under 8 months or entering their first RSV season who didn’t receive protection during pregnancy, and for some children up to 19 months with certain health conditions.
The CDC’s flu vaccination guidance page, updated September 1, points to an interim document and notes that updates are forthcoming. The FDA approved an mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older in August, showing about a 26% reduction in lab-confirmed flu-like illness cases in a clinical trial of 40,703 adults.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not issued new COVID-19 or RSV recommendations this season. The CDC’s most recent guidance, from last year, advises consulting with a healthcare professional rather than recommending vaccination. The FDA approved updated COVID-19 shots on August 27, reformulated to match the variants currently circulating. Having COVID before doesn’t change the recommendation, but a child who had it last year may not be well protected against the strains spreading now.
Since 1964, ACIP has reviewed evidence and set vaccine recommendations most American doctors follow. However, last year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) dismissed ACIP’s members and appointed replacements. Despite a successful court challenge in March, an expert-led ACIP has not been restored. The absence of a single federal voice creates confusion for parents amid existing misinformation, making doctors’ work more difficult. Parents are declining vaccines more often, and doctors are spending more time explaining and defending the science behind them.
Healthline contacted HHS for this article and did not receive a response. Experts emphasize following the AAP-endorsed vaccine schedule and consulting pediatricians for personalized guidance. The societies are covering the gap left by the federal government’s inaction, though it is crucial that ACIP be reestablished.
Source: Healthline
