ATLANTA, Sept. 29 (Nationwide Times) — For adults planning fall vaccinations, the CDC’s 2026–27 COVID-19 clinical guidance recommends a shot for everyone 18 and older in the United States. The agency also recommends a seasonal flu shot for everyone at least 6 months old. RSV vaccination applies to narrower groups, mainly older adults and people at higher risk.
The CDC says people eligible for more than one of these vaccines can receive COVID-19, flu and RSV shots at the same visit. If they prefer separate visits, the agency says there is no minimum waiting period between them.
Who needs more than one COVID-19 dose?
The CDC’s adult immunization schedule calls for at least one current COVID-19 vaccine dose for adults ages 19–64 and at least two for adults 65 and older. The American Academy of Family Physicians also recommends vaccination for adults 19 and older, with a second dose six months later for those 65 and older.
There is an age difference worth noting: The CDC’s 2026–27 clinical guidance starts its adult recommendation at 18, while its adult schedule and the family physicians’ recommendation start at 19.
What about children?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 6 months through 17 years who have moderate to severe immunocompromise, meaning their immune systems are significantly weakened. For other children, it calls for shared clinical decision-making: a discussion with a health care professional rather than a blanket recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatrics separately recommends vaccination for children ages 6–23 months and for older children at high risk or whose families want it.
Who is an RSV shot for?
The CDC recommends one RSV vaccine dose for everyone 75 and older and for adults ages 50–74 at increased risk of severe RSV illness. For infants, the CDC recommends protection through either maternal vaccination during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to the infant. An antibody provides protection but is not a vaccine given to the infant.
Why do some guidance pages sound different?
The CDC’s COVID-19 clinical guidance recommends vaccination for all adults, while its vaccination trends page describes COVID-19 vaccination from age 6 months in terms of discussion with a provider. The agency also says legal uncertainties mean recommendations from its July 2025 immunization schedule remain in effect for the 2026–27 respiratory illness season. Its adult schedule cites a preliminary court order that stayed specified vaccine-advisory votes and a CDC decision memo. The CDC pages do not clearly reconcile their different descriptions of COVID-19 advice.
What about coverage?
AHIP, an insurance industry group, said its member insurers plan to cover updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2026–27. The Department of Health and Human Services says uninsured adults may be able to get free vaccines through state or local health departments. Those statements do not establish the cost or eligibility for every individual or vaccine product.
