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Which vaccines do you need this fall?

Sept. 14, 2026—Respiratory virus season is right around the corner. It's when illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to spike. Keeping up with vaccines can help you and your family stay protected.

This year, the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Vaccine Integrity Project reviewed the evidence and issued recommendations. And most major health insurance companies have stated that they will continue to pay for flu and COVID-19 shots this season. (You still may want to double-check with your insurance.)

Here's a look at their combined recommendations for the 2026–2027 season.

For children from birth through age 18

• A yearly flu vaccine for kids 6 months and up.
• A COVID-19 shot for children ages 6 to 23 months and for children ages 2 to 18 years who are at high risk of severe illness.
• RSV antibody for babies younger than 8 months whose mothers didn't get the RSV vaccine when they were pregnant and for children ages 8 to 19 months who have a high risk of severe illness from RSV.

Adults ages 19–64

• A yearly flu shot.
• A one-time RSV vaccine if you're between the ages of 50 and 74 and have an increased risk of severe illness from RSV.
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine.

During pregnancy

• A yearly flu shot (but avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine when you are pregnant).
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• A one-time RSV vaccine to protect your baby, if this is your first eligible pregnancy and you're between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant. It is now recommended to get the vaccine between Sept. 1 and March 1.

Adults 65 and older

• A yearly flu shot (ideally, a high-dose, adjuvanted, recombinant or mRNA one).
• A one-time RSV vaccine if you're 75 or older or if you’re between 50 and 74 and have an increased risk of severe RSV illness.
• An updated COVID-19 vaccine, followed by a booster dose six months later.

Remember: You can always check with your provider if you have questions or concerns about which vaccines are right for you or your family.

Find out more about vaccinations in our Vaccines health topic center.

Sources

• AARP. 8 Vaccine Questions You Should Be Asking This Fall.
• AHIP. AHIP Statement on Vaccine Coverage.
• American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP Announces Fall Immunization Recommendations to Protect Patients and Communities.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Recommendations for RSV Immunizations 2026–2027.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Releases 2026–27 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations for Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals.
• American Medical Association. AMA, Vaccine Integrity Project Unveil Independent Vaccine Evidence Review.
• American Medical Association. Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations.
• Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy. Insurance Trade Group Says COVID, Flu Vaccines Covered Through 2026.
• Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy. Will Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines Be Available This Fall?