The AAFP has released its fall immunization recommendations providing physicians and patients with clear, evidence-based guidance on vaccines for COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. The recommendations are intended to help family physicians ensure patients have access to the immunizations that will best protect their health during respiratory virus season. We invite chapters to join us in promoting vaccination and other precautions during respiratory illness season to keep patients and communities healthy.

The AAFP's recommendations for fall immunizations

COVID-19

• The AAFP recommends all adults 19 years and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. It is especially important to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are:   
  • 65 years and older;  
  • At increased risk for severe COVID-19 infection; and   
  • Have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Adults 65 years and older should receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after the initial dose to help maintain protection as immunity wanes over time. 
• The AAFP recommends all children ages 6-23 months be vaccinated against COVID-19 and using a risk-based single dose approach for children and teens 2-18 years. We support ongoing immunization access for any family wanting to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This recommendation is aligned with the AAP (2026). 
• The AAFP recommends COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy during any trimester and including during lactation. This is consistent with our 2025 recommendation and aligned with ACOG (2026). 

RSV

• The AAFP recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for adults age 75 and older, and for ages 50–74 at increased risk.  
• The AAFP recommends RSV vaccination for adults and adolescents who are immunocompromised. This recommendation is aligned with IDSA (2026). 
• During September–March, pregnant patients are advised to receive the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (Abrysvo®) at 32–36 weeks.  
• Infants under 8 months without maternal protection should receive nirsevimab or clesrovimab. Infants and children 8 through 19 months of age at high risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season should receive nirsevimab. 

Influenza

• Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older without medical contraindications. All recipients should be given a vaccine approved for their age group. 
• Adults 65 years and older should preferentially receive an enhanced influenza vaccine (high dose, adjuvanted, recombinant or mRNA) when available but should not delay vaccination to obtain one.  

Health Care Professionals: The AAFP recommends health care professionals should receive an annual updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccination, given their repeated occupational exposure and contact with patients at high risk of severe disease. 

How to leverage the AAFP's resources during Respiratory Illness Season

• Explore the Vaccine Integrity Project's new website, www.spreadthefacts.org, with respiratory immunization recommendations and resources from partner organizations including the AAFP, AAP, ACOG and IDSA.
• The AAFP's Immunizations and Vaccines hub has the latest immunization schedules, recommendations, clinical guidance and patient education resources to support members. 
• Members can direct patients to the AAFP's patient-facing website, http://familydoctor.org, which has an immunizations hub with schedules and information about respiratory illnesses and vaccines including flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Save the date for a LinkedIn Live event Tuesday, October 13 from 12-1 p.m. ET. AAFP President Dr. Sarah Nosal will be joined by leaders from AAP, ACOG and IDSA to discuss this year's respiratory immunization recommendations and how physicians can approach vaccine conversations. Free CME available. 
• Be part of the conversation on social media. Check Sprout Social Advocacy for draft social media content to post.
• The AAFP wants to hear from you! We invite chapters to encourage members to share videos on social media talking about how they help patients stay healthy during respiratory illness season and how they talk to patients to boost vaccine confidence. Tag the AAFP on Facebook, X (@aafp) and Instagram (@the_aafp) and we will share on our social channels.  
• Follow @AAFP and @aafp_advocacy on X and @the_AAFP on Instagram for posts to retweet and share.
• If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Emily Holwick, PR Strategist.