Medical societies issue unified guidance for fall flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations
Major U.S. medical groups released coordinated recommendations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, emphasizing safety, effectiveness and timing as the FDA approves updated formulations.
A coalition of leading medical organizations—including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Diseases Society of America—published joint vaccination guidelines for the upcoming fall season. The recommendations come as the Food and Drug Administration recently authorized updated flu and COVID-19 shots and as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) begins to circulate.
"There’s been a lot of confusion and chaos regarding vaccine recommendations," said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association. She added that the groups are posting their guidance online to provide the public with clear, science-based information while federal recommendations remain unsettled.
The societies agree that virtually everyone six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine, with particular emphasis on seniors, pregnant people, young children and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Enhanced flu vaccines designed for older adults are recommended, and a new mRNA-based flu shot (Moderna’s mFlusiva) is now available for people 50 and older.
For COVID-19, the groups continue to advise vaccination for all adults, especially those 65 and older and people with underlying health risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports COVID-19 vaccination for all children six months and older, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that studies have found no increased risk of miscarriage from vaccination during pregnancy.
RSV vaccination is advised for adults 75 and older, for those 50 to 74 with elevated risk, and for immunocompromised individuals, with an additional recommendation for pregnant people to protect newborns.
The guidance suggests obtaining flu shots in October, before influenza typically spreads in November, and timing COVID-19 boosters a few weeks before important events. Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, pediatric offices and many clinics, with Medicare and most private insurers covering the costs through 2027.