Medical groups issue fall 2026 vaccine guidance as CDC remains silent
With the CDC not releasing new recommendations, professional societies have published guidance on flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccinations for the 2026-27 season.
Professional medical organizations released detailed recommendations for fall 2026-27 immunizations against influenza, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued no new guidance this year. The American Medical Association and the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project published independent reviews in JAMA, which were used by groups such as 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 to craft their advice.
"Unfortunately today, the federal government is not fulfilling that responsibility in the way that it historically has," said Dr. Bruce Gellin, board chair of the Vaccine Integrity Project, at a news briefing.
The guidance advises that everyone six months and older receive an annual flu shot, with older adults and pregnant people receiving enhanced or high-dose formulations when available. A newly approved mRNA flu vaccine is now offered to adults 50 and older. RSV vaccination is recommended for adults 50 and older with high-risk conditions, adults over 75, pregnant individuals in the third trimester, and infants under eight months via a monoclonal antibody, unless the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy. The timing for RSV vaccination for pregnant people has been extended to March 1 to match a later virus season.
Updated Covid-19 vaccines are advised for adults, especially those over 65, and for children in high-risk groups, including infants 6 months to 23 months. Immunocompromised individuals should receive the vaccine from age six months onward. Experts suggest receiving the updated vaccine now, but to wait four to six months after a recent infection.
Insurers have indicated they will cover these respiratory virus immunizations, and the vaccines remain widely available at pharmacies and through health providers.