Leading U.S. medical organizations have issued updated vaccination guidelines for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season, filling a void left by the absence of federal recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America jointly announced the guidelines on Wednesday, emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of the latest flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
The recommendations come as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the updated versions of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines last week, with distribution underway. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, has not issued any new guidance for the upcoming season. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which typically sets federal vaccine policy, has not met since March 2025 due to a court battle that invalidated a Trump administration decision to replace its members.
Who should get vaccinated?
The medical groups recommend that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine, with heightened emphasis on those 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions. For COVID-19, the groups advise routine vaccination for healthy younger adults, children, and pregnant people, a broader recommendation than current federal guidance. RSV vaccination is also recommended for older adults and high-risk groups, aligning with CDC data showing significant hospitalizations and deaths from the virus last season.
Why the federal void?
The ACIP’s inactivity stems from a March 2025 federal court ruling in Massachusetts, which struck down a Trump administration move to replace the panel’s members with officials more aligned with its skepticism of existing vaccine policies. Since then, no ACIP meetings have been held to update recommendations for the 2025-26 season. The CDC did not respond to requests for comment on the absence of new guidance.
Safety and effectiveness
Independent analyses cited by the medical groups confirm that the latest vaccines remain highly effective in preventing severe complications from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The groups highlight that flu-related hospitalizations reached 390,000 last season, with 24,000 deaths, while RSV caused 170,000 hospitalizations and up to 25,000 deaths. COVID-19 hospitalizations ranged between 140,000 and 240,000, with deaths estimated at 15,000 to 42,000.
Addressing confusion
Dr. Sandra Fryhofer of the American Medical Association noted that the medical societies’ guidelines aim to provide clear, consistent, science-based advice amid the federal uncertainty. The recommendations are being posted on the organizations’ websites to ensure public access to reliable information. The Vaccine Integrity Project, led by the American Medical Association, has also taken a leading role in advocating for evidence-based vaccination policies.
Ongoing public health risks
Health officials warn that respiratory viruses will circulate this fall and winter, despite COVID-19’s reduced severity compared to earlier years. The medical groups stress that vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect against severe outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. Clinicians are urged to follow the new guidelines to ensure patients receive timely immunizations as the respiratory season approaches.