Medical groups launch website with unified vaccine guidance for flu, COVID-19 and RSV
The American Medical Association and partner societies introduced Spreadthefacts.org, offering evidence-based recommendations on seasonal flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines as federal guidance diverges from medical association guidelines.
Several U.S. medical societies, together with the Vaccine Integrity Project, unveiled a new website, Spreadthefacts.org, on Sept. 2 to provide a single source of science-based information on flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. The initiative, coordinated by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, aims to clarify vaccine recommendations amid differing federal and state guidelines.
"Patients need and deserve vaccine recommendations that are clear, credible and based on the best available scientific evidence so they can make informed vaccine decisions for themselves and for their families," said Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, AMA president-elect.
The site compiles data on the latest vaccine formulations, including the mRNA flu shot mFLUSIVA for adults 50 and older and the lower-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine mNexSpike for seniors and certain younger adults. It also outlines the updated trivalent flu vaccine for the 2026-27 season, which targets two influenza A strains and one B strain, and provides efficacy estimates from the Vaccine Integrity Project.
Health officials highlighted that flu vaccination reduces hospitalizations by about 31 % in seniors and cuts infant illness risk when administered during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccines this season target the XFG ("Stratus") variant and are authorized for a broad range of age groups, with data showing significant reductions in hospitalizations and deaths among vaccinated individuals. RSV vaccines are recommended for older adults, pregnant people and infants at high risk, but are not required annually.
Pharmacies across Michigan and the United States are receiving shipments of the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with many offering free immunizations by appointment or walk-in. The mRNA flu vaccine is expected to arrive at vaccination sites in the coming weeks, while some chains are still evaluating its inclusion. Updated COVID-19 doses are already being distributed to pharmacies, clinics and doctors’ offices.
Medical leaders emphasized the importance of timely vaccination, suggesting October as the optimal month for flu shots and recommending that adults receive an annual COVID-19 booster, especially those 65 and older or with underlying conditions. Pregnant individuals are advised to receive COVID-19 vaccines in any trimester, with safety data indicating no increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.