Fall vaccine rollout proceeds despite political controversy

The Food and Drug Administration approved updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming respiratory virus season, and shipments have already begun arriving at pharmacies. Major insurance carriers have confirmed that vaccines previously endorsed by the CDC’s advisory committee will remain covered at no cost through at least 2027.

State and local health officials expect a rollout similar to last year. Manisha Juthani, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and Connecticut public-health commissioner, said, "As we head into another respiratory virus season, state and territorial health agencies are doing what we do best: preparing early, watching the data closely, and working with our healthcare and community partners to keep people safe. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from flu, COVID-19, and RSV."

With the CDC’s advisory committee currently inactive after a court ruling, leading medical organizations—including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America—released their own evidence-based recommendations for the 2026-27 season. The guidance largely mirrors last year’s advice.

For influenza, trivalent vaccines are advised for all individuals aged six months and older, with a high-dose option for those 65 and older and a nasal spray for ages 2 to 49, excluding pregnant or immunocompromised persons. Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, received approval for adults 50 and older and showed a 27 % efficacy gain in trials, though its availability and insurance coverage remain uncertain.

The optimal period for flu vaccination is late September through October, allowing immunity to develop before the typical December-February peak. Exceptions include children needing two doses and pregnant people who may require earlier timing.

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility continues to cover adults 65 and older and individuals 6 months to 64 years with qualifying health conditions. Although a federal court decision halted the CDC panel’s vote to allow self-attestation for vaccine access, major pharmacy chains plan to maintain the practice in most states, with some requiring prescriptions. Medical societies recommend seasonal COVID-19 shots for children 6 months to 23 months, all adults, and pregnant individuals, with a second dose for those 65 and older six months after the first.

RSV vaccination is advised as a one-time dose for adults 75 and older and for those 50 to 74 at higher risk. Pregnant people should receive the vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation from September 1 to March 1 to confer protection to newborns. Infants under eight months without maternal vaccine protection, and high-risk children up to 19 months, are recommended to receive a monoclonal antibody for severe disease prevention.