NEW YORK, NY – Nov. 5, 2026 – Hoping to provide much-needed guidance to clinicians treating patients with lung disease and to promote respiratory health, the Vaccine Guidance Review Panel, a multi-medical society effort, announced its endorsement of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 recommendations for adults and children.
Experts from the American Thoracic Society ; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI ) ; the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) ; and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) reviewed and unanimously endorsed the vaccination-development process and resulting guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and reached consensus guidance aligned with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations issued prior to June 2025.
The changes in CDC and ACIP processes in 2025 resulted in potential harmful updates to the vaccine schedule. Seeing this alarming departure from evidence-based vaccine guidance, the multi-society panel was moved to collaborate to protect respiratory health, as well as ensure, among other measures, that COVID-19 vaccine recommendations aligned with the AAP, ACOG, AAFP and the IDSA.
“Clinicians and their patients with serious lung disease should not have to navigate a labyrinth of confusion, particularly as we face the upcoming respiratory virus season,” said ATS President Michelle Ng Gong, MD, ATSF. “The evidence-based vaccine recommendations endorsed by ATS, AAAAI, CHEST and SCCM provide clinicians with confidence and practical vaccine guidance when treating patients at the highest risk of severe illness.”
“AAAAI strongly supports the adoption of evidence-based vaccine recommendations that help health care professionals make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their patients. These recommendations reflect the importance of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and a shared commitment to protecting public health. We are grateful to partner with ATS, SCCM and CHEST to promote support of these recommendations,” said AAAAI President Carla Davis, MD.
“The work we are doing at the bedside is infinitely more effective when supported by a foundation of preventative medicine,” said American College of Chest Physicians President Neil Freedman, MD. “By ensuring clarity of unified recommendations from the voice of the community that cares for those with chronic and acute respiratory diseases with the broader physician community, this multi-society partnership aims to provide education and protect equitable access to preventative medicine and care.”
“As critical care professionals, we see firsthand the devastating consequences that respiratory viral illnesses can have on patients and families. Vaccination remains one of our most effective tools to prevent severe disease. We strongly support the influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations from the AAP, ACOG, AAFP, and IDSA,” SCCM President Cherylee W. J. Chang, MD.
For more details on vaccine recommendations for different patient populations, visit the ATS vaccine resources page.
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About the American Thoracic Society
Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Core activities of the Society’s more than 22,000 members are focused on leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care. Key areas of member focus include developing clinical practice guidelines, hosting the annual International Conference , publishing four peer-reviewed journals , advocating for improved respiratory health globally, and developing an array of patient education and career development resources.
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About American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI )
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is the leading membership organization of more than 7,100 allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists and other professionals with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI is the go-to resource for patients living with allergies, asthma and immune deficiency disorders.
About American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST)
The American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST) is the global leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,000+ members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For information about CHEST and its family of journals, including the flagship journal ®, visit chestnet.org .
About Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) is the largest nonprofit medical organization dedicated to promoting excellence and consistency in the practice of critical care. With members in more than 90 countries, SCCM is the only organization that represents all professional components of the critical care team. Visit sccm.org for more information. Follow SCCM on LinkedIn, X, or Facebook.