Every child six months and older should get a flu shot this season, according to updated recommendations from four major physician groups. If you are a parent trying to sort out the 2026-27 flu, COVID and RSV vaccines for kids, here is a plain-language guide based on a summary published by the American Medical Association.
Who Issued the 2026-27 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations?
The American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the guidance. It was informed by a Vaccine Integrity Project review of safety and effectiveness. The AMA’s summary says the review covered studies from Aug. 1, 2025 through the end of June 2026 and found no new safety concerns for flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines.
Flu Vaccine for Kids
All children six months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. For pregnant patients, the guidance calls for the flu shot rather than the nasal spray. For immunocompromised patients and their household contacts, the guidance advises avoiding the nasal spray and using inactivated vaccines instead.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids by Age
- Ages 6 to 23 months: all infants and toddlers should get a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Ages 2 to 18 at increased risk: they should get it regardless of prior vaccination.
- Ages 2 to 18 not at increased risk: a single dose should be offered if a parent or guardian wants them protected.
RSV Protection for Babies
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be serious for young infants. The recommendations say infants under 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season should receive an RSV immunization, unless documented protection came from the pregnant parent’s vaccination. Infants and children aged 8 to 19 months who are at high risk entering their second season should also receive one.
For pregnant patients, the guidance recommends RSV vaccination at 32 to 36 weeks between Sept. 1 and March 1, provided there is no planned delivery within two weeks, no prior maternal RSV vaccine, and no plan for the infant to receive nirsevimab or clesrovimab. If you are expecting, ask your obstetrician which route fits your situation.
When Should Kids Get Vaccinated?
Most people should get flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines in September or October, ideally by the end of October. It is November now, but later vaccination is still helpful if viruses are still spreading in your community. Do not wait for next year.
A Simple Parent Checklist
- Check your child’s age against the lists above.
- Call your pediatrician or local pharmacy to confirm availability and appointment times.
- Ask about risk factors such as asthma, heart conditions or weakened immunity, which can change the advice for ages 2 to 18.
- Plan for the household. Siblings, grandparents and caregivers can pass viruses to babies too.
- Keep a record of each shot so you know what your child has had.
Common Questions
Can my child get more than one vaccine at a visit? This is a question for your pediatrician, who can explain timing based on your child’s schedule.
What if my child is too young for the flu shot? Babies under six months cannot get it, which is why vaccinating pregnant patients and household members matters.
Where do I confirm the details? The physician groups post their recommendations at SpreadTheFacts.org, and the AMA summary is linked below.
The Bottom Line
The guidance is simple at its core: flu shots for everyone six months and up, COVID-19 shots for the youngest children and higher-risk kids, and RSV protection for babies in their first season. For more family health reading, see our article on a new brain study that is getting attention and our guide to the broccoli compound sulforaphane. Read the full summary from the American Medical Association.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Always follow your child’s pediatrician’s guidance.
