What vaccines doctors say you may need for respiratory virus season

Key Points:

• The CDC expects the 2026-27 respiratory virus season in the U.S. to have similar peak hospitalizations from influenza, COVID-19, and RSV as last season, emphasizing vaccination as the best protection.
• The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with specific vaccine types advised based on age and health status, including new mRNA flu vaccines approved for those 50 and older.
• COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XFG Omicron variant are recommended for adults 18 and older and children at increased risk, with various mRNA and protein-based vaccines available depending on age and health conditions.
• RSV vaccination is advised for adults aged 75 and older, those 50-74 at increased risk, and pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation; infants and some young children at high risk may receive monoclonal antibody treatments.
• Health experts encourage receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously or spaced a week apart during the fall, and they clarify that flu vaccines do not cause influenza, addressing common misconceptions.