Multiple national physician organizations have joined forces to consolidate the latest recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed the recommendations, which are guided by an independent review conducted by the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota.
Physicians can review consolidated recommendations in one document compiled by AMA.
The national groups recommend flu vaccinations for individuals 6 months and older, preferably by the end of October before colder months arrive. COVID vaccinations are recommended for all infants 6 to 23 months, adults 19 and older, and anyone 2 and older at high risk of severe illness.
Obstetricians and gynecologists recommend flu and COVID vaccinations for individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, or lactating. They also recommend RSV vaccinations at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy from Sept. 1 to March 1 for those who have not previously received the maternal RSV vaccine. The window was extended from the 2025-26 recommendations because the RSV season lasted longer than expected.
TMA policy supports increasing the rate of immunization to improve the health of all Texans.
“[Physicians] are experts in medical science, and we are aware of the evidence,” said Rama Thyagarajan, MD, an Austin infectious disease specialist and chair of TMA’s Committee on Infectious Diseases. “We also see patients who suffer from respiratory viruses and get hospitalized or unfortunately pass away. We understand not only the evidence but how people suffer and how it can be prevented.”
Each national agency developed its own recommendations, which Dr. Thyagarajan says are not redundant. For example, IDSA developed guidance for immunocompromised individuals who face the highest risk of hospitalization from respiratory viruses.
“We have a responsibility to protect our public by pushing this information out,” Dr. Thyagarajan said.
TMA maintains its own website devoted to vaccine information for its members, with links to recommendations based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence and provides local grants to improve vaccine education through its Vaccines Defend What Matters program.
NOTICE: This publication, the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA)’s policy, and any reference made by TMA to any entity’s immunization schedules, vaccination recommendations and resources (hereinafter “the Vaccine-related Information”) is intended for general informational purposes only. The Vaccine-related Information does not constitute medical advice or legal advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. The Vaccine-related Information does not substitute for the advice of an attorney or a physician’s own professional judgment or the judgment of other clinicians in the physician’s practice. Physicians should consult with their own privately retained attorney for specific legal advice related to vaccines. Physicians should consult with their own professional liability carrier for risk management information and to discuss their liability coverage and any exclusions under their liability policies (e.g., to determine if COVID-19 vaccine protections are included or excluded). Administering or prescribing a vaccine to an individual outside of the current FDA label could be considered “off label” use. Physicians should consult their own liability insurance to see if “off label” prescribing is covered for each vaccine to be prescribed or administered. Physicians should also check with their health insurance company/third-party payors regarding their vaccine coverage policies, including for off-label use. Coverage and reimbursement may vary based upon payor. The Vaccine-related Information is not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. Reference to the Vaccine-related Information of a particular entity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the referenced entity or the referenced entity’s Vaccine-related information. TMA does not guarantee that any referenced entity’s Vaccine-related information is based on peer-reviewed, scientific evidence, and subject to independent expert review. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. For non-physicians reading this Vaccine-related Information, TMA notes that the Vaccine-related Information does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought.