Fall vaccines 2026: What to know about flu, Covid and RSV

Key Points:

• The CDC has not issued new fall immunization recommendations for RSV or Covid-19 vaccines this season, continuing last year's approach of individualized consultation for Covid-19 vaccination, while maintaining flu shot guidance from the 2025 immunization schedule.
• In response to the CDC's silence, the American Medical Association and the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project published independent vaccine reviews, which helped inform 2026-27 respiratory virus immunization recommendations from major medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
• RSV immunization is recommended for adults over 50 with high-risk conditions, pregnant people in their third trimester, and infants under 8 months (if the mother was not vaccinated), with vaccinations typically advised in late summer to early fall for adults and during virus season for infants.
• Annual flu shots are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with enhanced vaccines for adults 65 and older and the first availability of an mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older; October is the ideal time for vaccination to ensure protection through the season.
• Updated Covid-19 vaccines are recommended for adults, especially those 65 and older or at increased risk, as well as for infants 6 months and older in high-risk groups; vaccination timing should consider recent infection, with a 4-6 month wait advised post-Covid infection before receiving the updated shot.