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LAC DPH Health Advisory:
2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Vaccine Recommendations in California
September 15, 2026
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This message is intended for vaccine providers, pediatricians, obstetricians, and primary care providers in Los Angeles County.
Please distribute as appropriate.
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- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) have released statewide vaccine recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season, informed by national medical professional organization guidance (AAP, AAFP, ACOG, and IDSA).
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Vaccines recommended by CDPH continue to be covered under AB 144 by California Health Plans, including Medi-Cal managed care plans.
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Healthcare providers administering CDPH-recommended vaccines remain protected under AB 144’s liability provisions, and pharmacists may continue independently administering immunizations recommended by CDPH.
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) will continue to cover all recommended vaccines for eligible children.
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LAC DPH is hosting a live webinar, Fall Immunization Update: Respiratory Viruses, Medi-Cal, & Cyclospora on 9/23/26 from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm. Free CME available. View Flyer and Register
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LA County Respiratory illness surveillance is available on RespWATCH.
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In 2025-2026, federal advisory structures for vaccine recommendations shifted following legal challenges that prevented the HHS secretary-appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) from functioning. In response, national medical professional organizations collaborated with the Vaccine Integrity Project and the American Medical Association (AMA) to provide evidence-based immunization recommendations.
On September 2, 2026, the Vaccine Integrity Project released the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season Evidence Review. Concurrently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published vaccination recommendations for children through 18 years of age for COVID, Influenza, and RSV, the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) published recommendations for adults, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) published recommendations for immunocompromised individuals, and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) published recommendations for pregnant and post-partum persons.
On September 4, 2026, CDPH and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) issued statewide immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has endorsed these recommendations. See CDPH Vaccines for All for more details.
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Actions Requested of Providers
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- Educate and reassure patients that recommended vaccines remain safe and effective, and that vaccination is especially important for those at higher risk of severe disease. See LAC DPH Strategies to Improve Vaccine Confidence
- Administer fall vaccines per CDPH/WCHA 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations (see below).
- Record all administered doses in the California Immunization Registry per AB 1797.
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2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
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A table of the CDPH/WCHA recommendations is online and shown below.
Key changes from last year’s vaccine recommendations include:
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- extending the timeframe of eligibility for maternal RSV vaccine to March
- expanding the list of clinical conditions where RSV immunization is recommended for children 8-19 months entering their second RSV season
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recommending the newly FDA approved mRNA flu vaccine for older adults
- recommending COVID-19 vaccine for all healthcare workers.
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CDPH/WCHA 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
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Footnotes
[*] California Health & Safety Code (HSC) 120164 requires CDPH to publish its current immunization recommendations, and any updates, modifications, or supplements.
[1] COVID-19 vaccine is available for persons 6 months and older.
[2] Two doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for ages 6 months–8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time.
[3] Protect infants with either prenatal RSV vaccine or infant dose of nirsevimab or clesrovimab.
[4] RSV vaccination during pregnancy or for adults is currently recommended once rather than annually.
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- Recommended for all persons 6 months and older.
- Adults aged 65 years and older should preferentially receive an enhanced influenza vaccine (e.g., recombinant, adjuvanted, mRNA or high-dose influenza vaccines).
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- All adults aged 75 years and older who have not previously received an RSV vaccine dose (Abrysvo, Arexvy, mResvia)
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Adults aged 50-74 years with underlying medical conditions that increase risk for severe RSV who have not previously received an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo, Arexvy, mResvia)
- Pregnant persons at 32-36 weeks’ gestation during September 1st through March 1st (Abrysvo)
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Infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during or are entering their first RSV season (October through March) (nirsevimab/Beyfortus or clesrovimab/Enflonsia)
- Children aged 8-19 months at high risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season (October through March) (nirsevimab/Beyfortus)
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Recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older who choose to reduce risk of severe illness.
Prioritize vaccination for the following groups:
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- Adults aged 65 years and older
- Persons who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, or postpartum
- Infants aged 6-23 months
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Individuals aged 2-64 years of age with conditions that increase risk for severe disease
- Individuals in close contact with others with risk factors
- Healthcare workers
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For more details visit the LAC DPH Vaccine Program Healthcare Resources for Healthcare Providers: Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
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This communication was sent by Dr. Nava Yeganeh, Medical Director, Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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To view this LAHAN in PDF format, view past communications, or sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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