New COVID, flu strains circulating. What new vaccines protect against

Early September 2026 sees a surge of new COVID‑19 and influenza strains, prompting health officials to label the period as a combined flu‑COVID‑RSV season. Pennsylvania physicians are publicly urging residents to receive the available vaccines as the season approaches, emphasizing the heightened risk from the circulating variants.

State health agencies have responded with varied guidance. The Illinois Department of Public Health issued specific recommendations for flu, COVID‑19 and RSV vaccination, noting confusion over the federal advisory framework. In contrast, New York State and New York City health departments formally endorsed the newly authorized COVID‑19 vaccine for all adults, a divergence from the federal position. The American Academy of Pediatrics released its recommendations for pediatric RSV immunization for the 2026‑2027 season, while major medical societies, as reported by Healthline and health.com, reiterated the importance of receiving updated shots against all three pathogens. The Washington Post’s opinion piece answered common questions about the fall vaccine lineup.

Overall, the unified message from physicians, pediatric experts and national medical groups is to pursue the updated COVID‑19, influenza and RSV immunizations without delay. State‑level endorsements vary, but the prevailing advice across Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York and other jurisdictions is to safeguard both adults and children ahead of the peak season. Health officials continue to monitor the evolving viral landscape as vaccination campaigns ramp up.