Major US medical societies have released their own fall and winter vaccination guidelines for the respiratory-illness season, covering flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots.

The guidance — issued jointly with the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project by groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — aims to give clinicians and patients a clear, evidence-based reference.

Key recommendations

  • Flu: Optimal timing is October, so protection stays strong through the season.
  • COVID-19 & RSV: Recommended for eligible people, with timing that varies by vaccine and individual risk.
  • RSV in pregnancy: ACOG extended the vaccination window for pregnant people (from Jan 31 to March 1), reflecting shifts in when RSV season peaks.
  • Infants: Monoclonal antibodies for babies under 8 months in their first RSV season if the mother wasn’t vaccinated, and for high-risk children in their second season.

Why it matters

These recommendations were developed independently of the federal advisory process, after changes to the CDC’s immunization advisory committee — giving physicians a science-based reference from their own professional bodies. “Americans should have access to best available scientific evidence…so they can make informed decisions about vaccination,” said the Vaccine Integrity Project’s Bruce Gellin. This article summarizes professional-society guidance and is not medical advice; talk with your clinician about which vaccines are right for you.