CONSENSUS WCHA 2026-2027 IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS
News Release from Hawaii DoH, Sep 4, 2026
HONOLULU — The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is issuing immunization recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. These recommendations are informed by guidance from trusted 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).
“As we enter the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, we recommend the recently available updated vaccine formulations to reduce the risk of severe illness,” said Hawai’i State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “We also continue to recommend other steps, such as practicing good hygiene and staying home when sick, to help people stay healthy, especially as we’re experiencing an increase in cases.”
Immunization is one of the best protections available against serious illness caused by respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness and strain on health care systems.
The WCHA believes that all recommended immunizations should be accessible to people in its member states. WCHA emphasizes the importance of protecting people most impacted by these respiratory viruses, especially those who are most vulnerable. This includes the youngest and oldest individuals; people at higher risk for complications, including people who are pregnant; individuals living in congregate settings; and people who live or work with those at higher risk.
The WCHA will continue to evaluate new evidence and recommendations as they become available and is committed to sharing updated assessments with communities.
Specifically, WCHA recommends:
| Age/Condition |
COVID-19 |
Influenza |
RSV |
| Children |
All 6–23 months |
All 6 months and older2 |
All younger than 8 months3 |
| All 2–18 years with risk factors or never vaccinated against COVID-19 |
All 8-19 months with risk factors |
| All who are in close contact with others with risk factors1 |
|
| All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness |
|
| Pregnancy |
All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum |
All who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum |
All who are 32-36 weeks gestational age 3, 4 |
| Adults |
All 65 years and older |
All |
All 75 years and older4 |
| All 19–64 years with risk factors |
All 50–74 years with risk factors4 |
| All who are in close contact with others with risk factors1 |
|
| All who choose to reduce risk of severe illness |
|
| Healthcare Workers |
All |
All |
All who meet criteria above |
- COVID-19 vaccine is available for persons 6 months and older.
- Two doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for ages 6 months–8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time.
- Protect infants with either prenatal RSV vaccine or infant dose of nirsevimab or clesrovimab.
- RSV vaccination during pregnancy or for adults is currently recommended once rather than annually.
About West Coast Health Alliance
The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is a partnership among California, Hawaiʻi, Oregon and Washington, to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.
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