Respiratory Season Isn’t Over—What Does That Mean for Your Family’s Immunization Needs?

It is the time of year when everyone is ready for spring. Flowers are blooming, trees are turning green, and evenings are longer.  

So that means respiratory virus season is over for now, right? Not yet!  

While respiratory illness activity is currently low in the United States, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is still a concern. Our nation’s health data shows that RSV started later than health officials and healthcare providers expected this respiratory season. With the season starting later, it is expected that higher than normal activity will continue into April in some regions across the U.S. 

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations for infants, but luckily, now we have multiple options to prevent RSV: the maternal vaccination or infant immunization with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The maternal vaccine is typically recommended through January, and the mAbs are recommended through March.  

Within these recommendations, there is flexibility to respond to real-time changes to disease circulation and different geographic conditions across the U.S. Because of the late season this year and ongoing disease spread, it is now it is recommended to make decisions on RSV immunization through April, based on local data.  

Some states have already extended their seasonal RSV immunization recommendations, like California, Minnesota, Washington, and Wisconsin, now recommending infants are immunized against RSV through April 30, 2026. 

If your infant has not been protected against RSV, it is not too late. 

Talk with your pediatrician or your healthcare provider about RSV in your community and the options for immunization.  

RSV immunization is another way to be #RootedInProtection. Learn more about RSV here. 

RSV can have serious consequences, like hospitalization and death. Learn more in Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Chair of Vaccinate Your Family’s Committee of Scientific and Medical Advisors Dr. Jessica Malaty Riveria’s story on how RSV over her winter holidays turned into a five-day hospital stay for her young son before RSV protection was available.  

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Spring may be here, but RSV season is not over just yet. 🌱

RSV can be serious for infants, but there are ways to help protect them. Because RSV started later this season, some states are extending infant RSV immunization recommendations through April 30, 2026.

If your baby has not been protected yet, it may not be too late. Talk with your pediatrician or healthcare provider about RSV in your area and your family’s options. 💙

#RootedInProtection #VaxYourFam