On September 19, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) unanimously recommended that vaccination for COVID-19 be determined by individual clinical decision-making. This recommendation applies to everyone aged 6 months and older. According to the CDC, the risk-benefit balance is most favorable for those at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and lowest for individuals under age 65 who are not at increased risk. Risk factors for severe illness are listed on the CDC’s website and include older age, certain chronic medical conditions, and immunocompromising states.
This recommendation is listed on the CDC’s adult and child immunization schedules as “shared clinical decision-making,” which means the decision to vaccinate is made together by the individual and their healthcare provider — such as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Even though COVID-19 vaccination is now based on individual risk, it remains covered by federal and state programs, including the Vaccines for Children Program, CHIP, Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
For the 2025–2026 influenza season, the CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination with single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations for children, pregnant women, and adults. All flu vaccines for use in the United States this season are trivalent, covering influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2), and a B/Victoria lineage virus. Annual flu vaccination remains the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially serious complications.
The CDC continues to recommend a single dose of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for adults at increased risk of severe illness. RSV vaccination is advised for all adults aged 75 and older, as well as for adults aged 50 to 74 who have certain chronic medical conditions that increase their risk for severe RSV disease. RSV vaccination is not currently recommended on an annual basis, and individuals who received an RSV vaccine last season are not recommended to receive another dose this year.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to plan ahead for fall and winter vaccinations, with a focus on early immunization before respiratory viruses begin to circulate widely. Timely and informed vaccine recommendations from providers remain a key strategy in protecting individuals at highest risk, particularly older adults and those in long-term care.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
Healthcare facilities must continue to protect residents from the serious risks posed by respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Congregate care settings remain especially vulnerable to outbreaks and complications related to these infections. Vaccination, in conjunction with other CDC-recommended prevention measures, remains a key strategy to reduce transmission, hospitalizations, and deaths. The CDC has issued updated guidance for the 2025–2026 season, including a revised recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination based on individual clinical decision-making.
Discussion Points
- Review and update your policies and procedures related to infection prevention and vaccination for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Ensure alignment with the latest CDC guidance, including shared clinical decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines and eligibility criteria for RSV vaccination. Facilities may benefit from collaborating with a knowledgeable consultant to support policy review, identify gaps, and ensure readiness for annual or focused surveys.
- Educate all staff on your Infection Control Plan and vaccination protocols. Train appropriate personnel on vaccine administration and documentation. Provide information to residents and their representatives about the risks of respiratory illnesses and the benefits of vaccination to support informed decision-making. Med-Net Academy offers the course Transmission-Based Precautions, covering key infection control practices, precaution categories, high-contact care, isolation rooms, and avoiding involuntary seclusion.
- Audit staff practices to ensure CDC vaccination guidance is being followed. Review documentation of resident and staff vaccine education, consent, and administration. Track vaccination rates for each virus to identify gaps and areas for improvement. A third-party consultant can assist with targeted audits or mock surveys to help facilities evaluate their compliance and strengthen their quality assurance efforts.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*