World · Daily Terminal
As we head into another respiratory virus season, state and territorial health agencies are preparing early, watching the data closely, and working with healthcare and community partners to keep people safe. Manisha Juthani, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, emphasized that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Leading medical organizations have produced their own evidence-based vaccine recommendations, replacing the CDC’s advisory committee role.
The 2026–27 respiratory virus immunization recommendations and evidence base were released last week by the American Medical Association, Vaccine Integrity Project, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Overall, the recommendations show little change from last year. For flu, trivalent vaccines are recommended for all children (6 months and up) and all adults.
A nasal spray is available for ages 2 to 49 but not for pregnant or immunocompromised individuals. High-dose vaccines are recommended for people aged 65 and older. The new mRNA flu vaccine, Moderna’s mFlusiva, approved for adults 50 and up in early August, showed 27% higher effectiveness than standard shots but may have milder side effects like fatigue and injection-site soreness.
Availability and insurance coverage for mFlusiva remain uncertain due to late approval and lack of prior CDC recommendations. Medicare is expected to cover it, but state Medicaid programs and other federal programs like Vaccines for Adults may not. Commercial insurance coverage is also uncertain.
Source: Ars Technica
