As respiratory virus season approaches, Americans are once again being asked to make decisions about three vaccines: flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus. However, this year, federal vaccine guidance is not entirely aligned with recommendations coming from major medical organizations.

That difference could potentially result in confusion with respect to which vaccines to obtain for optimal protection. Here’s what Americans should know about these three different immunizations.

This year’s flu vaccine is a trivalent vaccine, meaning it protects against three different strains of the flu—the H1N1, the H3N2 and the Victoria B strain of the flu virus. There are many different types of flu vaccines to choose from; which include a standard flu shot grown in chicken eggs in a lab, a vaccine that contains a weakened virus that can be given as a mist for younger individuals, higher dose flu vaccines for older patients, adjuvanted vaccines that contains an ingredient to boost the immune response for older patients, recombinant vaccines for older patients that contain higher levels of antigen to boost an immune response as well as a mRNA flu vaccine for those 50 years of age and older.

The CDC’s previous seasonal recommendation for the flu remains in effect for the 2026-2027 season, which means the agency advises everyone 6 months of age and older get the annual flu vaccine. This recommendation is aligned with major medical societies like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Older adults are particularly at high risk because flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and death.

The FDA has approved new updated COVID vaccines that target the dominant variant of the virus that is currently circulating, known as XFG. However, the FDA’s authorization framework is narrower than the broader recommendations provided by national medical societies. For example, the new COVID vaccines are approved by the FDA for adults 65 years of age and older as well as for younger individuals who have an underlying condition that puts them at risk for severe COVID-19 infection.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises all children ages 6 months to 23 months get the vaccine, and recommend either a risk-based approach for those ages 2-18 or vaccination for children in this age range whose parent desires their vaccination. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends all individuals ages 19 and older get an updated COVID vaccine. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID vaccination during pregnancy, which has not been endorsed by the CDC.

Recommendations regarding RSV immunization are similarly aligned between the CDC and national medical organizations. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine like the flu or COVID, but usually just a single shot. For example, the CDC currently recommends a single RSV vaccine for those 75 years of age and older, or for those between 50-74 who have an increased risk of RSV disease.

RSV immunization is also important for infants, since this virus is the number one cause for hospitalizations for infants. Protection can come through maternal vaccination during pregnancy or administration of a RSV antibody for infants. Infants less than 8 months of age entering their first RSV season can get the antibody as well as infants aged 8 to 19 months entering their second RSV season who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Professional medical societies like the AAP and AAFP share similar recommendations for RSV immunization and are aligned with the guidance of the CDC.

Why Are The CDC And Medical Societies Giving Different Advice On COVID?

For decades, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has provided evidence-based recommendations for the general public on which vaccines to administer and when to get them. However, this committee has not met all year due to legal issues, resulting in less updated guidance on vaccines.

In response, medical societies have conducted their own systematic review of hundreds of peer-reviewed studies involving flu, COVID and RSV and reported no new safety concerns pertaining to vaccination.

Can You Get All The Vaccines Together?

The vaccines can all be received at the same medical appointment, although there may be more side-effects like arm soreness or fatigue associated with getting three vaccines at one time. There is no required waiting period between all three vaccines.

For most Americans, an annual flu vaccine is recommended. The decision whether to obtain the COVID and RSV vaccine is increasingly individualized based on age and underlying risk. However, the evidence continues to show that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death.