Health Update for SF Providers: 2026–27 Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccination

Disease Prevention and Control

In alignment with the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued recommendations for updated 2026–27 formulations of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as well as for RSV immunization. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent severe illness caused by influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, reduce community transmission, and maintain health care system capacity.

Currently, respiratory virus season has just started, and although all three viruses are circulating in San Francisco, hospitalizations remain low. Every year, the peak times of circulation are not predictable. Thus, this is an optimal time to get vaccinated before the season progresses. Please encourage your patients to get vaccinated now. It is safe to administer the vaccines at the same time.

CDPH and WCHA are committed to ensuring public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access, and trust. California state law allows CDPH to issue its own vaccine recommendations informed by professional organizations. This law preserves patients’ access and choice, ensures vaccines are covered by health care insurers, and provides liability protection. Updated recommendations were informed by 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).

Actions Requested of SF Clinicians 

1. Recommend the 2026–27 influenza vaccines to everyone 6 months and older, especially to people who are at increased risk for influenza complications such as young children, pregnant people, and older adults. 

2. Recommend the 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine to everyone at increased risk, including to: 

  • All 6–23 months and 65 years and older
  • All 2–18 years with risk factors or never vaccinated against COVID-19
  • All 19–64 years with risk factors
  • All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, or lactating
  • All who are in close contact with others with risk factors, including  healthcare workers
  • All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness

3. Recommend RSV immunization to the following people: 

  • Previously unvaccinated adults 75 years and older, or 50–74 years with risk factors
  • Previously unvaccinated pregnant people at 32–36 weeks gestational age
  • Children younger than 8 months (if birthing parent did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy), and 8–19 months with risk factors

Additional Resources 

Program Contact Information 

Immunization Program | Communicable Disease Branch

Population Health Division | San Francisco Department of Public Health

Tel: (628) 217-7490 | Email: immunization@sfdph.org

View or sign up for SFDPH Health Alerts, Advisories, and Updates at sf.gov/healthalerts