Health · Public Health & Disease · 7 hrs ago
Medical societies back unified guidance on flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines
A panel involving the American Thoracic Society, AAAAI, CHEST and SCCM endorsed vaccine guidance for adults and children.
It covers vaccines against influenza, RSV and COVID-19, and was developed by the AAP, AAFP, ACOG and IDSA.
The panel said its consensus guidance aligns with ACIP recommendations issued before June 2025.
The groups acted after changes to CDC and ACIP processes in 2025 raised concerns about possible harmful updates to the vaccine schedule.
Their goal is to give clinicians clearer, evidence-based advice, especially when caring for people with serious lung disease who face a higher risk of severe illness.
The guidance is intended to help clinicians and patients prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
A multi-medical society panel endorsed influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccine guidance for adults and children.
The panel said its guidance aligns with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations issued before June 2025.
Experts from four medical societies reviewed guidance developed by four other medical organizations and unanimously endorsed it.
The panel said changes to CDC and ACIP processes in 2025 raised concerns about potential harmful updates to the vaccine schedule.
The effort aims to give clinicians clearer guidance, particularly when treating people at high risk of severe illness.
- Who
- The Vaccine Guidance Review Panel, involving experts from four medical societies, endorsed the guidance.
- What
- It backed influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for adults and children.
- When
- The announcement was published on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The panel said changes to CDC and ACIP processes in 2025 created concerns about the vaccine schedule and that clinicians needed clear, evidence-based guidance.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
ACIP recommendations that the panel used as a reference were issued.
Changes to CDC and ACIP processes resulted in potential harmful updates to the vaccine schedule, according to the article.
The panel’s endorsement was reported.
- Vaccines covered
- Influenza, RSV and COVID-19
- People covered
- Adults and children
- Reviewing societies
- ATS, AAAAI, CHEST and SCCM
- Organizations whose guidance was reviewed
- AAP, AAFP, ACOG and IDSA
- Guidance alignment
- ACIP recommendations issued prior to June 2025
What people are saying
Clinicians and their patients with serious lung disease should not have to navigate a labyrinth of confusion, particularly as we face the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Vaccination remains one of our most effective tools to prevent severe disease.
These recommendations reflect the importance of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and a shared commitment to protecting public health.
The work we are doing at the bedside is infinitely more effective when supported by a foundation of preventative medicine.