Four medical organizations have released their own vaccine recommendations for the fall and winter respiratory season after the CDC failed to issue new COVID-19 or RSV guidance.
Key facts
- •Four medical groups released independent vaccine recommendations in September for the 2026–2027 respiratory season.
- •The CDC has not issued new COVID-19 or RSV recommendations, instead carrying over last year’s flu guidance.
- •A JAMA-published review found no new safety concerns and confirmed continued protection against severe illness.
- •The FDA approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older in August.
- •The ACIP has not been restored to an expert-led state following a 2025 dismissal of its members by the HHS.
Four medical groups have released independent recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations for the 2026–2027 season. The move follows a lack of new federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has not updated its COVID-19 or RSV recommendations and has carried over previous flu guidance. The new recommendations, which cover children, adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, are based on a review of hundreds of recent studies.
By the numbers
Independent Review and Recommendations
The American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota conducted a review of recent vaccine studies, which was published in JAMA. The findings indicate that vaccines continue to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, with no new safety concerns identified. Experts note that the individuals who developed these new recommendations include many of the same professionals who previously informed CDC guidance.
Vaccination Guidance and Availability
Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are currently available at major pharmacy chains across the United States. Recommendations vary based on age and risk factors. For example, adults 65 and older are advised to seek enhanced flu vaccines, while specific RSV protections are recommended for infants and older adults. Pediatricians are encouraging families to consult with healthcare providers regarding individual eligibility and the appropriate timing for vaccinations.
Impact of Federal Guidance Gaps
The absence of updated federal recommendations stems from disruptions within the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which has not been fully restored following the dismissal of its members by the Department of Health and Human Services last year. Medical professionals report that the lack of a single federal voice has increased confusion among parents and made it more difficult for doctors to address vaccine misinformation.
Timeline
- 1964The ACIP began reviewing evidence to set vaccine recommendations for American doctors.
- March 2025A court challenge was filed regarding the dismissal of ACIP members.
- May 2026A vaccine advisory committee met to select the current year's virus strain.
- August 2026The FDA approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older.
- September 2026Four medical groups released independent vaccine recommendations.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
