Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
COVID-19, Influenza (Flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
DPH recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season for COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, and RSV immunization:
- 2026-27 DPH COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
- 2026-27 DPH Influenza vaccine recommendations
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
National Medical Organization Recommendations
DPH 2026–2027 immunization recommendations are informed by leading physician professional organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
For additional clinical guidance and evidence summaries, please see:
- 2026-27 Respiratory season | Vaccine Integrity Project
- Respiratory virus season immunization recommendations | American Medical Association
Patients and families are encouraged to discuss 2026–2027 respiratory season immunizations with their healthcare provider.
Hepatitis B recommendations for infants and children
DPH recommendations regarding infant and children vaccination against hepatitis B, issued December 2025:
- Massachusetts Guidance on Use of the Hepatitis B Vaccine for Infants and Children
- Northeast Public Health Collaborative Hepatitis B Statement
Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine recommendations
DPH recommendations on the use of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccine:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Guidance
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine in Children Under the Age of Four Years
- Northeast Public Health Collaborative Response to the September ACIP Meeting
Pediatric immunization recommendations
Pediatric immunization schedule
As outlined in the DPH Guidance on Recommended Reference Materials for Pediatric Immunization (PDF) l (DOC) DPH recommends that families and providers in Massachusetts use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (PDF) as the primary reference for the routine immunization of infants, children, and adolescents. The AAP is a national professional organization representing pediatric physicians, and its immunization schedule aligns with science-backed pediatric standards of care, is supported by decades of documented effectiveness, and provides detailed guidance that supports clinical decision-making in pediatric settings.
- Parents can find information at HealthyChildren, and easy to read immunization schedule PDF for young children (under 7 years old) and PDF for older children (7 through 18 years old)
- Providers should refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule PDF for detailed clinical information
DPH recommends MA providers follow the American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Vaccine Schedule
Read the Northeast Public Health Collaborative’s January 7, 2026 statement in support of the American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Schedule.
Adult immunization recommendations
Adult immunization schedule
The CDC Adult Immunization Schedule currently remains in place for adult immunizations, except for specific DPH recommendations for vaccines detailed on this page.