Doctors Urge 3 Respiratory Vaccines for 2026-27 Season as CDC Sees Similar Hospital Peaks
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Oct 8
Doctors Urge 3 Respiratory Vaccines for 2026-27 Season as CDC Sees Similar Hospital Peaks
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Oct 8
Summary
CDC expects 2026-27 peak hospitalizations from flu, COVID-19 and RSV to be similar to last season, and doctors say vaccination remains the best protection.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with doctors urging vaccination by the end of October; options include high-dose and adjuvanted shots for adults 65 and older.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all adults 18 and older and higher-risk children 6 months to 17 years old, using updated 2026-27 shots targeting the XFG Omicron recombinant strain.
RSV vaccination is a one-time dose for adults 75 and older, at-risk adults 50 to 74, and pregnant people at 32 to 36 weeks; some infants can receive monoclonal antibody protection.
The guidance comes as doctors have already flagged early H1N1 activity in western U.S. regions, reinforcing calls to get flu and COVID shots now, including at the same visit.