The CDC has not published new COVID-19 or RSV recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory season and has carried over last year's flu guidance. Four medical groups have filled the gap with their own advice, each aimed at a different group of patients.
Who recommends what
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidance for children, the American Academy of Family Physicians for adults, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnant people, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America for people with weakened immune systems. All four recommend a flu shot for everyone aged six months and older. Their COVID-19 and RSV advice varies by age and by risk, with updated COVID-19 vaccination advised for adults and for the youngest children, and RSV protection concentrated on infants and older adults.
Why the gap matters
Vaccine recommendations normally come from one federal source, which keeps the message simple for pharmacies, clinics and schools. This season the advice arrives from four professional bodies that have to be read against each other, and patients who are unsure whether they qualify may simply skip the shot. Doctors say the practical answer is to ask a clinician, especially for people with heart or lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system, who face the highest risk from both flu and COVID-19.
Measles coverage keeps slipping
The wider picture on childhood vaccination is not improving. An analysis by KFF found that about 280,000 kindergarteners were unvaccinated against measles in the 2025-2026 school year, and for the sixth year in a row national MMR coverage stayed below the 95% level that prevents community transmission. Measles is highly contagious and cases have been rising in several states. With respiratory season starting, the concern is that a fragmented message on flu and COVID-19 adds to the drift already showing up in childhood immunisation.