The CDC expects the 2026-27 respiratory virus season to look much like last year, with influenza, COVID-19 and RSV circulating together through the fall and winter.
According to the agency’s seasonal outlook, combined hospitalizations from the three viruses are projected to be similar to the previous season, though the timing and severity of each wave remain uncertain.
The outlook arrives as four major medical groups — covering pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics and infectious disease — issued their own vaccination guidance for the season on September 2, moving ahead of federal recommendations.
Health officials continue to urge vaccination as the best protection, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying conditions.
The coming weeks will show whether the season follows the familiar pattern or delivers surprises, and officials say they will update their projections as new data arrives.
The groups’ September 2 guidance covers influenza, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations, with detailed recommendations for children, pregnant patients, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The CDC’s own outlook, meanwhile, projects that the combined burden of the three viruses will resemble last season — a forecast officials say they will refine as surveillance data comes in through the autumn.
Public-health experts note that vaccination rates, the timing of school terms and even the weather can all nudge a season in unexpected directions. The one certainty, they say, is that preparation beats prediction.
The season also brings a familiar logistical challenge: getting shots into arms before viruses peak. Pharmacies, clinics and workplaces typically ramp up vaccination drives in October, and officials say early uptake is the single biggest factor in blunting a winter wave.
Parents of young children face a particular calendar crunch, with flu, COVID and RSV shots sometimes scheduled together. Pediatricians say bundling the visits is safe — and far easier than making three separate trips.
