Respiratory Illness Vaccines

Vaccine Recommendations

COVID-19 Vaccine

An annual updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for persons 6 months of age and older, as follows:

All young children ages 6-23 months
Children 2-18 years in certain risks groups, or if desired
All adults 19 years and older
- Note: All persons 65 years and older should follow up with a 2^nd dose 6 months later to boost protection

During pregnancy
Immunocompromised persons
Healthcare personnel

The 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for persons 6 months and older, based on shared clinical decision-making on the risks and benefits of the vaccine with a healthcare provider (primary care physician, specialist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, and pharmacist).

In Virginia, no prescription is needed for people 3 years of age and up to get the vaccine at a pharmacy.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT, KNOW YOUR:

Eligibility - Discuss your vaccine eligibility and or desire for vaccine with your healthcare provider – Most people have one or more high-risk COVID-19 conditions identified by the CDC.
Access - Check with the pharmacy or provider to ensure the 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine is in stock.
Costs - Check with your health insurance plan to determine if the 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine is covered.

Flu Vaccine

A flu vaccine is recommended for all persons 6 months and older.

RSV Vaccine

RSV vaccine is recommended as follows:

One lifetime RSV vaccine for all persons 75+ and persons 50-74 with risk factors
During pregnancy between September 1^st and March 1^st, one maternal RSV vaccine in 8th month of pregnancy (32-36 weeks)
- Provide antibodies for infants (those under 8 months and 8-19 months with risk factors) with no maternal RSV vaccine history
For those immunocompromised persons:
- A single dose for 18+ years
- For those under 18 years, vaccine administration should be guided by shared clinical decision-making.

Where to find a FLU, COVID-19, or RSV vaccine

Vaccine Finder – Search for pharmacy vaccine locations in your area using your zip code
Check with your healthcare provider, your health plan, or your employer.
- Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) – For children without health insurance or who are on Medicaid, you can look for a provider
- Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) – For adults without health insurance you can look for a provider
Arlington COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for adults and children who meet specific eligibility requirements (including persons without health insurance, and children with Medicaid)

For More Information

To learn more about the 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations, visit the American Medical Association’s Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations webpage (SpreadTheFacts.org). Recommendations are provided for specific groups:

Children and Adolescents
Adults and Older Adults (including Healthcare Personnel)
Pregnancy
Immunocompromised

These recommendations are collectively developed by leading medical organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Other Vaccine Resources

American Medical Association Consolidated Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations – One Page PDF handout (English).

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