Leading U.S. medical organizations have released new recommendations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations ahead of the fall and winter respiratory-virus season, offering Americans updated guidance on who should receive each vaccine and when.
The recommendations come from several of the country’s major physician groups and cover everyone from infants and children to pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. While the advice varies by age and health status, doctors continue to recommend protection against respiratory illnesses that can lead to serious illness and hospitalization.
For influenza, doctors recommend annual vaccination for nearly everyone beginning at 6 months old, with particular importance for people at greater risk of complications. October is generally considered an ideal time to receive a flu shot, although vaccination can continue throughout the flu season. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends annual flu vaccination for children beginning at 6 months of age.
COVID-19 recommendations are more dependent on age and individual risk. Pediatricians recommend vaccination for all children ages 6 through 23 months, while recommendations for older children take into account risk factors and whether families want protection. Family physicians continue to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for families that want it, while infectious-disease specialists strongly recommend vaccination for people with weakened immune systems. Doctors also recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
For RSV, family physicians recommend a one-time vaccine for adults 75 and older and adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe disease. Vaccination is also recommended for people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women can receive an RSV vaccine late in pregnancy to help protect their babies, while infants who aren’t protected through maternal vaccination can receive preventive antibody treatments.
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The biggest takeaway for families this fall is that there is no single vaccination recommendation that applies equally to everyone. Flu vaccination remains broadly recommended, while COVID-19 and RSV guidance increasingly depends on age, pregnancy, medical risk and individual circumstances. Anyone unsure which vaccines apply to them should check with a doctor or pharmacist before respiratory-virus season gets underway.
