Because of the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) inaction and confusion, major physician groups have issued their own RSV, flu, and COVID vaccine recommendations, highlighting the science behind their decisions.

Robert F Kennedy Jr and his acolytes in control of the US vaccine system continue to push confusion and misinformation by making many vaccines fall under the “shared clinical decision-making” umbrella. That is, physicians and parents should discuss whether to proceed with various childhood vaccines instead of an outright recommendation from the CDC and ACIP.

This article reviews the RSV, flu, and COVID vaccine recommendations of each major physician group.

Physician groups’ RSV, COVID, and flu vaccine recommendations

Here are the current science-based recommendations for these vaccines from some major physician groups.

Based on current evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has made the following recommendations for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine:

• Children born preterm, at <32 weeks, 0 days’ gestation, regardless of the need for medication or other support
• Children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (i.e., a defect that can result in symptoms and/or cardiac chamber dilation)
• Children with anatomic pulmonary abnormalities or neuromuscular disorders that put them at risk for severe RSV disease
• Children with Down syndrome or other chromosomal differences that put them at higher risk of severe RSV disease

The AAP has issued the following recommendations for the COVID vaccine — A single dose of an age-appropriate vaccine for children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 years, regardless of prior COVID vaccination status, was advised in the following groups:

• Those whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID
• Those at high risk of severe COVID
• Residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
• Those who have never been vaccinated against COVID

The AAP issued a simple recommendation for the flu vaccine — “vaccinate all children 6 months and older to protect them from severe illness.”

Of course, the AAP focuses on children’s vaccines, so let’s look at a couple of other physicians’ groups that make broader age-based recommendations.

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) recently announced its vaccine recommendations. It focused on four vaccines recommended for pregnant women:

• The flu vaccine, which can be taken in any trimester, at any time of year, although it’s best to get it in early fall.
• The COVID-19 shot, which can be taken during any trimester at any time of year, although it’s best to receive it as soon as possible during pregnancy.
• A tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis shot, preferably as early as possible between 27 and 36 weeks.
• An RSV vaccine, between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy in the first pregnancy, during September through January in most parts of the USA. If you had the RSV vaccine during a previous pregnancy, you do not need to get it again, but your baby should get the RSV antibody shot after birth. Your baby can also get that shot instead of you receiving the maternal vaccine.

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) makes broad vaccine recommendations for all age groups. Here are the key ones:

• Influenza — “In adults and children with compromised immunity, the IDSA guideline panel recommends administering age-appropriate 2026-2027 influenza vaccinations.”
• COVID-19 — “In adults and children with compromised immunity, the IDSA guideline panel recommends administering age-appropriate 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccinations.”
• RSV — “In adults and adolescents with compromised immunity, the IDSA guideline panel recommends administering RSV vaccinations.”

Summary

Medical associations agree that all individuals starting at age 6 months should get the flu vaccine. The flu is dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people of any age who have chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weak immune systems.

For older individuals, research showed that Moderna’s trivalent mRNA flu vaccine (mFlusiva) was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness among 50- to 64-year-olds than a standard shot. The vaccine should be available soon in pharmacies across the US.

They also agree that everyone should get the COVID vaccine. However, it is most important for seniors and individuals with at least one condition that increases the risk of complications from COVID.

The FDA recently approved four new COVID vaccines that target the XFG variant. These vaccines should also be available soon.

These groups recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 who are at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems. It’s also recommended during late pregnancy to protect infants born during RSV season.

These three respiratory viruses can cause havoc, especially in young, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Ignore the confusing messaging from the CDC and follow these recommendations from major medical associations that care about the science of vaccines.

Citations

• Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommendations for the Prevention of RSV Disease in Infants and Children: Policy Statement. Pediatrics. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1542/peds.2026-079047. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42683691.
• Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccines in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 2026-2027: Policy Statement. Pediatrics. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1542/peds.2026-079045. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42683684.

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