2026-2027 Respiratory Illness Season

This edition features resources, tips, and events to support vaccine confidence during the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season.



At the Massachusetts Vaccine Confidence Project, we’re committed to protecting

all Massachusetts residents from vaccine preventable diseases.

MVCP CALL TO ACTION

New! MVCP Call To Action - MVCP needs your help in recommending immunizations during the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season.

RESPIRATORY SEASON RESOURCES

Looking for tools to support your vaccination efforts and vaccine confidence during the 2026-2027 respiratory illness season? Here are some resources recommended by the MVCP team:

• New! MVCP Media Toolkit - Ready-to-share images and talking points to encourage seasonal vaccination and protect Massachusetts communities.

• How mRNA vaccines work: Safety, effectiveness and key facts - Prepare for patient conversations around vaccination for the respiratory season.

• Consolidated respiratory virus immunization recommendations - This resource includes the current flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunization recommendations from four professional organizations in a single printable reference.

• Protecting Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses – Johns Hopkins infectious disease experts offer tips to avoid contracting or spreading these viruses in these short videos.

• DPH Respiratory Illness Dashboard - This dashboard provides data on hospital admission and emergency department (ED) visits related to acute respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza (the flu), and RSV.

• Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse - Resources for both residents and providers. Access numerous immunization resources free of charge.

• MVCP Resources - Want additional resources? Check out MVCP's Resources section.

Search for vaccine locations in your area and schedule your appointment today!

MASSACHUSETTS 2026-2027 SEASONAL VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Immunization Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) circulated COVID-19, Influenza (Flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Recommendations for 2026-2027.

• The MDPH 2026–2027 vaccine recommendations are informed by leading physician professional organizations. See the consolidated respiratory virus immunization recommendations for more information.

• Model standing orders can be reviewed, approved, and signed by your Medical Director to allow staff to offer and administer the influenza or COVID-19 vaccine per the MDPH recommended schedule. Standing orders work by enabling assessment and vaccination of the patient without the need for clinician examination or direct order from the attending provider at the time of the interaction. Models may be edited as required by the issuing provider.

UPDATES ON ORDERING STATE RESPIRATORY SEASON VACCINES

PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT - CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE

With deep cultural roots and trusted relationships, community health workers (CHWs) are vital champions for building vaccine confidence in our neighborhoods. We spoke with Brianna Breuer, Training/Technical Assistance Specialist at Cambridge Health Alliance, to get her insights on how CHWs make a difference on the ground:

With respiratory illness season approaching, how can CHWs support immunization efforts?

"CHWs can support immunization efforts by disseminating information about vaccines to the community - the benefits, where to receive them, if insurance covers them, etc. CHWs can also support immunization efforts by addressing misinformation and disinformation about vaccination with information from credible sources. Finally, CHWs can refer patients to providers that they know have experience with these populations."

Click here for the full story!

VACCINE EDUCATION WEBINAR

2026-2027 Respiratory Illness Season Update - Dr. Angela Fowler

On Wednesday, October 7, at 12:00 PM, the 2026 Vaccine Education Webinar Series will present: "2026-2027 Respiratory Illness Season Update." This webinar will feature Angela Fowler, MD, MPH, Associate Medical Director for Vaccine Preventable Disease, Bureau of Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Looking for additional trainings and webinars?

The MVCP Trainings & Webinar Opportunities page has a collection of free learning opportunities. Explore recorded webinars and online trainings focused on building vaccine confidence. Many include professional credits.

PARTNER HIGHLIGHT - FAMILIES FIGHTING FLU

Families Fighting Flu works to increase awareness about the seriousness of the disease and to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths caused by the flu each year by increasing vaccination rates for everyone six months and older.

Resources - Check out Families Fighting Flu resource page for toolkits, posters, social media as well as their campaign: “Kaden Blaze – Flu Fighter.” 

Kaden Blaze made his debut at a high-energy school rally, where he faced off against his archenemy, Flu Bug. This exciting new character is inspired by the incredible real-life story of one of Family Fighting Flu's youngest and bravest advocates Kaden Stevenson.

In December 2022, 7-year-old Kaden contracted the flu. Due to severe complications, he spent over 9 weeks in the hospital and ultimately lost both of his legs. That same winter, another young boy—just 5 years old—was hospitalized with the flu and tragically didn’t survive. After his recovery, Kaden told his mom he must have superpowers because he survived and that he wanted to use those powers to protect other kids from the flu.

UPCOMING EVENT

31st Annual Pediatric Immunization Skills Building Conference

Presented by the Massachusetts Immunization Action Partnership.

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Location: DCU Center Worcester, MA

This full-day, pediatric conference will provide up-to-date information on the field of pediatric immunization with an emphasis on current immunization recommendations and general immunization updates.

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