CDC’s updated respiratory-virus guidance: who should get flu, COVID and RSV shots now

If you or someone in your family is older, medically vulnerable, or around high-risk people, now is a good time to review respiratory-virus shots. CDC says some adults should get a one-time RSV vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination is based on age and shared decision-making, and flu vaccine planning is already underway for the next season.

The bottom line: the right shot depends on age, risk, and timing. For many people, the safest next step is to check current guidance before the summer and fall vaccine season gets busy.

Who should get the RSV shot

CDC recommends a single RSV vaccine dose for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. That group includes people with certain heart, lung, kidney, liver, neurologic, metabolic, immune, or frailty-related risks, as well as nursing home residents.

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual shot. If someone already got one dose, CDC says they have completed their RSV vaccination for now and should not get another dose at this time.

Timing matters, too. CDC says eligible adults can get vaccinated any time of year, but the best time is late summer or early fall, usually August through October in most of the continental United States, before RSV begins spreading more widely.

What CDC says about the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine

CDC says the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people ages 6 months and older using individual-based decision-making, also called shared clinical decision-making. For adults ages 65 and older, and for younger people with higher risk for severe COVID-19, the balance of benefits is more favorable.

That does not mean everyone needs the same plan. CDC says the recommended vaccine and number of doses depend on age and vaccination history.

For many families, the practical question is not whether COVID-19 is over, but whether a person’s age, health condition, or living setting makes another dose more worthwhile this year.

What the FDA’s next flu strain decision means

The FDA has already issued its strain-selection guidance for the 2026–2027 U.S. influenza season. That is planning information, not a sign that the season has already started.

For readers, the main takeaway is that flu vaccine development and supply planning begin long before fall. The exact strains are chosen months ahead so manufacturers can prepare for the next season.

Can these shots be given together?

CDC says RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit as other adult vaccines. That can make it easier to stay current, especially for older adults and caregivers who may not want extra trips.

CDC also notes that getting RSV vaccine with one or more other vaccines may increase common side effects such as arm pain, fever, headache, or muscle aches. The agency says limited immune-response data show lower antibody titers in some cases, but the clinical significance is unknown.

In plain terms: coadministration is allowed, but a separate visit may make sense for some people depending on their health history and preferences.

Why this still matters now

Respiratory viruses are still moving targets. CDC’s surveillance pages continue to track flu, COVID-19, and RSV because hospitalization patterns change through the year, and the burden can shift by age and region.

CDC’s national respiratory-illness dashboard tracks hospital admissions and weekly hospitalization rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, which is one reason prevention guidance still matters in spring 2026.

What families, schools, workplaces, and caregivers can do

Check whether an older adult or high-risk family member is eligible for RSV vaccination.
Talk with a clinician about whether a COVID-19 dose makes sense this year based on age, health, and exposure risk.
Plan ahead for flu vaccination later in the season, rather than waiting until illness is already spreading.
If you are sick, stay home and away from others when possible.
Use everyday prevention steps such as handwashing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, and improving indoor air where people live and work.

For households that care for grandparents, infants, or medically fragile people, these steps can lower the chance of bringing a respiratory virus home or into a shared setting.

If you are unsure what is recommended for you or your family, check with a trusted healthcare provider. The best choice depends on age, health conditions, vaccination history, and local respiratory-virus activity.

Sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.