Staying on Track: Evidence-Based Vaccine Recommendations

FECHA
30 de agosto de 2025

Looking for trusted vaccine guidance? The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) provides clear and accurate information about the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Read on for evidence-based immunization recommendations from professional medical groups and trusted NFID partners …

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): AAFP provides immunization schedules based on age to prevent serious diseases, with specific recommendations for children from birth through age 18 years, and separate schedules for adults based on age and medical conditions.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): AAP has published an independent evidence-based immunization schedule for children and adolescents. The AAP schedule includes guidance on COVID-19 vaccination that differs from current federal policy. It also includes updates to recommendations on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (flu):

COVID-19–recommended for all children ages 6-23 months and for older children in certain risk groups, based on evidence on who can benefit the most from the vaccine
Flu–recommends annual flu vaccination for all children starting at age 6 months, unless they have a medical reason not to be immunized
RSV-recommends RSV vaccine during pregnancy or RSV immunization (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) for infants whose mothers were not vaccinated during pregnancy

“AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children, and adolescents,” said AAP President Susan J. Kressly, MD. “Pediatricians know how important routine childhood immunizations are in keeping children, families, and their communities healthy and thriving.”

American College of Cardiology (ACC): ACC has issued Concise Clinical Guidance (CCG) recommending certain vaccines to help protect heart health. The guidance includes detailed evidence for each vaccine recommendation and answers to frequently asked questions to guide conversations between patients and healthcare professionals. Vaccine specific recommendations include:

COVID-19–recommended for adults with heart disease to help reduce their risk of infection and protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination helps protect against heart attack, COVID-19-induced pericarditis/myocarditis, COVID-19-induced stroke and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), and long COVID symptoms.
Flu–recommends annual flu vaccine for all adults to help prevent flu and lower the risk of serious complications and death. Nasal versions of the vaccine are not recommended in patients age 50 years or older.
Pneumococcal Disease–recommended for adults age 19 years or older with heart disease to help protect against pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death
RSV–single dose recommended for adults age 75 or older and for adults age 50–74 with heart disease to help protect against lower respiratory disease that can result in hospitalization and death
Shingles–recommended for adults age 50 or older to receive 2 doses to protect against increased risk of stroke and heart attack when infected. People with heart disease are at an increased risk of shingles infection.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): ACOG released updated clinical guidance regarding vaccination during pregnancy against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The 3 guidance documents, all of which recommend maternal immunization, lay out the full body of current scientific evidence that underscores the safety and benefits of choosing to be vaccinated against these respiratory conditions during pregnancy.

COVID-19–COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care recommends that patients receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when breastfeeding.
Flu–Influenza in Pregnancy: Prevention and Treatment strongly recommends that all individuals who are or will be pregnant during flu season receive an inactivated or recombinant flu vaccine as soon as it is available, during any trimester of pregnancy. ACOG recommends flu vaccination before the start of flu season but encourages vaccination at any time during the season to ensure protection as long as flu is circulating in the community.
RSV–RSV, Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination, recommends that maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy in order to protect the infants after birth. Patients should also understand that if they decline the maternal RSV vaccination, their infant needs a monoclonal antibody at birth.

"It is well documented that respiratory conditions can cause poor outcomes during pregnancy, with pregnant women facing both severe illness and threats to the health of their pregnancy. Thanks to vaccines, severe outcomes from respiratory infections are largely preventable," said Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, president of ACOG. "ACOG's updated respiratory guidance documents repeat what we have long known: that vaccines continue to be the best tool available for pregnant patients to protect themselves and their infants from these viruses."

NFID will continue to update this post as additional immunization recommendations are published.

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