Respiratory Virus Season 2026-2027 Recommendations
Sep 3, 2026
New guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics broadens the groups of children considered high‑risk and eligible for immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The AAP also finalized its recommendations for the fall respiratory virus season, with the latest guidance on COVID‑19 and influenza vaccines.
View the latest 2026 AAP Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
RSV
Criteria for administration has expanded to include four new groups to the high-risk list (AAP News):
- Children born preterm at less than 32 weeks’ 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 placing them at higher risk of severe RSV disease
- Policy statement and technical report: “Recommendations for the Prevention of RSV Disease in Infants and Children”
- AAP News: AAP expands high-risk groups recommended for RSV immunization in second season
- Healthy Children: RSV and Your Baby — 8 Questions New & Expectant Parents Should Ask
- Healthy Children: RSV Immunizations — 2 Ways to Protect Babies
- News release: American Academy of Pediatrics Issues Recommendations for RSV Immunizations 2026-2027
COVID-19
- Policy statement and technical report: “Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccines in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 2026-2027”
- AAP News: AAP continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for children who are young or high-risk
- Healthy Children: When Should Kids Get the COVID Vaccine?
Influenza Vaccine