As the 2026–27 respiratory virus season approaches, major medical organizations in the United States are providing updated advice on vaccines designed to protect against influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV.
The latest guidance is intended to help doctors and patients navigate vaccination decisions as respiratory illnesses become more common during the fall and winter months. Recommendations have been issued by organizations including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Infectious Diseases Society of America.
The groups say their guidance is based on an independent review of available scientific evidence. Hundreds of studies involving respiratory vaccines were examined, with the review concluding that vaccination continues to offer important protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death. The assessment also did not identify new major safety concerns involving the vaccines currently recommended.
Influenza vaccination remains a major component of the seasonal recommendations. Medical groups continue to support flu vaccination for people aged 6 months and older, except in situations where vaccination is medically inappropriate.
The advice is particularly important for groups more likely to experience serious complications from influenza. Older adults, young children, pregnant people and individuals with certain health conditions are among those who can face increased risks from severe flu.
For older adults and people with weakened immune systems, healthcare professionals may recommend enhanced influenza vaccines when those options are available. However, experts caution that people should not necessarily postpone vaccination while waiting for a specific formulation.
The timing of flu vaccination is another consideration. October is generally viewed as a suitable month for most people to receive their seasonal shot because it can provide protection through much of the influenza season. Those who are unable to get vaccinated during that period can still receive the vaccine later, provided influenza continues to circulate.
COVID-19 vaccination guidance remains more complicated because recommendations from professional medical organizations and federal authorities have not always been identical.
Several medical organizations continue to support access to updated COVID-19 vaccines, especially for people who are at greater risk of developing serious illness. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports updated vaccination for adults and recommends COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
Pediatric guidance differs according to a child’s age and individual circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also issued recommendations for children, with healthcare providers expected to consider factors such as health conditions and previous vaccination when determining appropriate protection.
Pregnancy is another area receiving particular attention. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to support COVID-19 and influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The vaccines can also be administered during the same medical visit when appropriate.
RSV vaccination, meanwhile, remains focused on people who face a higher risk of severe disease. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older, along with adults between 50 and 74 who have factors that increase their risk.
People with weakened immune systems are also among those receiving particular attention under the latest recommendations. The Infectious Diseases Society of America supports respiratory-virus vaccination for these individuals because they can face a greater risk of serious complications and hospitalization.
Protection against RSV is also being addressed during pregnancy. Vaccination during the recommended stage of late pregnancy can help transfer protective antibodies to the fetus before birth. Infants who do not receive sufficient protection through maternal vaccination may instead be eligible for an RSV antibody treatment after delivery.
Pediatric recommendations also focus on infants entering their first RSV season and certain children entering their second season who have conditions that increase their risk of severe disease.
The updated recommendations arrive as hospitals and healthcare systems prepare for another period in which influenza, COVID-19 and RSV may circulate simultaneously. Although the severity of these infections varies between individuals, older adults, infants, pregnant people and those with certain medical conditions can face greater risks.
Medical organizations are encouraging people to speak with their healthcare providers about which vaccines are appropriate for them. Individual factors, including age, pregnancy status, medical history and previous vaccinations, can affect the recommended approach.
The latest guidance ultimately emphasizes that respiratory-virus vaccination remains an important strategy for reducing severe illness. As the 2026–27 season gets underway, health professionals will continue monitoring virus activity and emerging evidence while helping patients make informed decisions about seasonal protection.