With flu, COVID-19 and RSV season underway, one question keeps coming up at pediatric offices and pharmacy counters: who should actually get the RSV vaccine in 2026, and what about infants? Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of cold-like illness that can be serious for older adults and very young babies. Here is a plain-English guide based on recommendations summarized in a CNN report published Oct. 2, 2026.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is right for you or your child.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine in 2026?
According to CNN’s reporting (republished by KSL), RSV immunization is aimed at three groups: older adults, pregnant people and infants.
- Older adults: adults 50 and older with high-risk conditions, and everyone over 75, should get one dose, per the report. Dr. Sarah Nosal, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, noted: “This is not an annual vaccine.”
- Adults with weakened immune systems: one dose is recommended.
- Pregnant people: vaccination is recommended in the third trimester, between weeks 32 and 36. The article notes the advice “slightly changed this year” for pregnancy, so ask your obstetrician for the current details.
What About Babies? The RSV Antibody Option
Infants can be protected in two ways. If the mother was vaccinated during pregnancy, the baby gets some protection from antibodies passed on before birth. If not, Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said children under 8 months should receive an RSV monoclonal antibody. The report says infants typically receive it from October through March, which is why timing matters right now.
Who Is Making These Recommendations?
The CNN report explains that the CDC usually launches a fall vaccine campaign but, after sweeping changes to its vaccine advisory committee and ongoing lawsuits, recently posted guidance online to follow last year’s recommendations for flu and COVID-19. In that gap, the American Medical Association and the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project launched independent reviews, published in September in JAMA. Groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Diseases Society of America used them for 2026-27 guidance.
Dr. Bruce Gellin, board chair of the Vaccine Integrity Project, said the federal government “is not fulfilling that responsibility in the way that it historically has,” adding that a breakdown of a federal process should not create a vacuum in evidence-based guidance. HHS had not responded to CNN’s request for comment.
Will Insurance Cover It?
Nosal said insurers have indicated to the major medical groups that they will cover these immunizations. Ordering has also started for the Vaccines for Children program, which serves about half of U.S. children. Coverage details can vary, so confirm with your plan before your appointment.
Flu and COVID-19 at a Glance
RSV is only part of the picture. The same report says everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get an annual flu shot, adults 65 and older should get an enhanced flu vaccine when available, and an mRNA flu vaccine is available for adults 50 and older for the first time. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for adults, with a second dose six months later for those 65 and older. For more on the flu shot, see our 2026-2027 flu vaccine guide and our look at flu, COVID and RSV recommendations.
Simple Steps to Take This Week
- Check whether you or a family member falls into an RSV group above.
- If you are pregnant and between weeks 32 and 36, ask your provider about timing.
- If you have a baby under 8 months, ask the pediatrician about the antibody before RSV spreads widely.
- Confirm insurance coverage and book an appointment.
Bottom line: RSV protection is available for the people most at risk, and the window for infant antibodies runs through March. A quick call to your clinician is the best next step.
