West Coast Health Alliance 2026-2027 respiratory virus season immunization recommendations

For immediate release: September 4, 2026 (26-058)

OLYMPIA – The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is issuing immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. These recommendations are informed by trusted national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission, and health care systems strain.

The WCHA believes that all recommended immunizations should be accessible to the people of our states. WCHA emphasizes the importance of protecting people most impacted by these respiratory viruses, especially our most vulnerable. This includes the youngest and oldest individuals in our states; other individuals at higher risk for complications, including people who are pregnant; individuals living in congregate settings; and those who live or work with people at higher risk. The WCHA will continue to evaluate new evidence and recommendations as they become available and is committed to sharing any updated assessments with our communities.

West Coast Health Alliance 2026–2027 respiratory virus season immunization recommendations
Age/Condition	COVID-19	Influenza	RSV
Children	All 6–23 months All 2–18 years with risk factors or never vaccinated against COVID-19 All who are in close contact with others with risk factors¹ All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness	All 6 months and older²	All younger than 8 months³ All 8–19 months with risk factors
Pregnancy	All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum	All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum	All who are 32–36 weeks gestational age^{3, 4}
Adults	All 65 years and older All 19–64 years with risk factors All who are in close contact with others with risk factors¹ All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness	All	All 75 years and older⁴ All 50–74 years with risk factors⁴
Healthcare Workers	All	All	All who meet criteria above

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.

About West Coast Health Alliance

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.

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