Medical Groups Issue 2026-27 Vaccine Guidance After CDC Panel Void
Updated
Updated · The Post and Courier · Sep 7
Medical Groups Issue 2026-27 Vaccine Guidance After CDC Panel Void
2 articles · Updated · The Post and Courier · Sep 7
Summary
Five major U.S. medical associations issued joint 2026-2027 guidance for flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots after federal vaccine recommendations stalled.
The move follows HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s overhaul of the CDC advisory panel, whose replacement members were blocked by a judge, leaving no current CDC seasonal guidance.
JAMA reviews cited by the groups found strong benefits: flu shots cut older adults' hospital visits by up to 43% and deaths by up to 66%, while COVID-19 shots reduced adult hospitalizations by at least 53%.
The recommendations call for flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, COVID-19 shots for adults 19 and older plus at-risk children, and RSV protection for pregnant women, vulnerable infants and adults 50 or 75 and older.
Supply remains uncertain for some COVID-19 shots even after the FDA set the season's formulation, adding to patient confusion as autumn vaccination season begins.