IDSA recommends respiratory vaccines for people with weakened immune systems

Updated evidence supports COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccination to help prevent hospitalization and severe illness

The Infectious Diseases Society of America today strongly recommended vaccination against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus for people with weakened immune systems, who face a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory viruses.

The recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season are based on an updated, independent review of the latest scientific evidence conducted through the Vaccine Integrity Project. The review found that the vaccines continue to protect people with compromised immune systems against hospitalization and severe illness, with little to no serious adverse effects.

"People with compromised immune systems face a greater risk of hospitalization, critical illness and death from respiratory viruses, and they deserve clear guidance grounded in the best available scientific evidence," said IDSA President Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA. "The latest evidence firmly supports our continued strong recommendation for COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccination. Getting vaccinated early this fall remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness."

IDSA recommends:

• COVID-19 vaccination for everyone with a compromised immune system ages 6 months and older. An additional dose may provide longer protection for some people and should be discussed with a clinician based on individual risk and local COVID-19 activity.
• Annual influenza vaccination for everyone with a compromised immune system ages 6 months and older. Some patients may benefit from high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines. Live-attenuated influenza vaccines should not be given to people who are immunocompromised.
• RSV vaccination for immunocompromised adults and adolescents. For immunocompromised adolescents, patients, families and clinicians should discuss vaccination based on individual risk.

The recommendations also note that COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit. When possible, vaccination should be timed before a transplant, chemotherapy or other treatment that suppresses the immune system. Family members and others in close contact with an immunocompromised person should also stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

"At a time when patients and physicians cannot always look to the federal government for clear and timely vaccine guidance, it is especially important for the medical community to work together in a coordinated and transparent way to provide recommendations grounded in the best available evidence," Dr. Nahass said. "Patients should be able to hear a clear and consistent message from the medical organizations that represent their physicians - and from the physicians they trust - about how to protect themselves and their families."

IDSA's guidance complements 2026-2027 recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for other patient populations. The medical societies worked in coordination with the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project to align the timing and release of their recommendations.

The complete IDSA recommendations are available on the IDSA website.

About IDSA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000-plus clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.