AAFP Announces Fall Immunization Recommendations to Protect Patients and Communities

September 2, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 2, 2026

Media Contact:
AAFP Public Relations
pr@aafp.org

Leawood, KS — The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) joins our colleagues across the health care community in encouraging patients of all ages to receive recommended vaccines to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities healthy. Today, the AAFP released its fall immunization recommendations, in coordination with the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, as part of the Vaccine Integrity Project. The recommendations provide physicians and patients with clear, evidence-based guidance on COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza vaccines, and are intended to help family physicians ensure patients have access to the immunizations that will best protect their health during respiratory virus season.

“Vaccines are one of medicine’s greatest success stories. They prevent serious illness, reduce hospitalizations and long-term complications and save lives,” said AAFP President Sarah Nosal, MD, FAAFP. “As federal guidance evolves, the science behind vaccines remains strong. These recommendations are grounded in the latest evidence, informed by public health experts and shaped by what family physicians are seeing every day in their patients.”

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 supports CDC guidance recommending 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 or 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.

“Physicians know that patients may have questions about vaccines and are ready to have conversations about why they are important and how they help protect you and your loved ones,” said Nosal. “At a time when patients and physicians are navigating changing guidance, the AAFP is committed to providing clear, trusted recommendations based on the best available evidence.”

For more information and for a complete list of recommendations and immunization resources, visit aafp.org/vaccines or familydoctor.org/immunizations.

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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 124,500 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.