What Vaccines Do the Experts Recommend for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season?
Fall and winter are the time for respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. Getting vaccinated against these viruses is important to reduce illness and severe illness or hospitalization for you and your family members.
Expert groups of doctors joined together earlier this year to evaluate the vaccines and make recommendations for use of the 2026 - 2027 updated vaccines for different age groups. These groups include the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Here is a summary of their recommendations.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
Vaccination against seasonal flu is recommended in the fall each year before the flu season begins. Although it is best to get the vaccine by October, you can get vaccinated against the flu anytime during the current flu season to be protected.
The vaccine formula was updated this year in all products to best fight the current strains of influenza viruses. In addition, a new mRNA flu vaccine (mFlusiva®; Moderna) for adults 50 years of age and older is also available this season. Studies in adults 50 to 64 years of age compared this vaccine to the standard flu vaccine and reported increased efficacy against the flu virus. Talk to your health care provider to see which choice is best for you.
- Children: A flu vaccine is recommended every year for children 6 months of age and older.
- Adults: An annual flu vaccine is recommended for adults 19 through 64 years of age.
- Older adults: An annual flu vaccine is recommended for older adults. Adults 65 years of age and older should get a vaccine made specifically for older adults (mRNA, adjuvanted, high-dose, or recombinant).
- Pregnant women: A flu vaccine is recommended for those who are pregnant or have given birth in the last two months.
COVID-19 Vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccine formulas were updated this year to fight the current strain of the virus. A new version of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (mNextspike®; Moderna) is available for individuals 12 years of age and older. This new vaccine was found to provide an increased immune response when compared to Moderna’s original Spikevax® COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your health care provider to see which choice is best for you.
- Children: A COVID-19 vaccine for all infants ages 6 to 23 months and for children ages 2 and older at risk for severe infection.
- Adults: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for adults 19 through 64 years of age.
- Older adults: A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years of age and older in the fall, followed by a second dose 6 months later to boost protection.
- Pregnant women: An annual COVID-19 vaccine is recommended during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccines
- Children: RSV vaccine is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age (if not protected by RSV vaccine to mother during pregnancy).
- Adults and older adults: One time RSV vaccine is recommended for adult over 75 years of age and those 50 to 74 years of age with an increased risk of severe RSV illness.
- Pregnant women: One time RSV injection if 32 to 36 weeks pregnant between during RSV season.
Summary
Having a discussion with your and your family’s healthcare providers to discuss your vaccine options is important to have proper protection during the respiratory virus season.