2026–27 Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines: What Inland Empire Families Should Ask About This Fall

Why fall vaccine planning is different in 2026

Respiratory virus season usually means three separate questions: flu, COVID-19, and RSV. In 2026, California issued state-specific respiratory virus vaccine recommendations for the 2026–27 season, and CDC updated its flu season page on September 29, 2026. (cdph.ca.gov)

For Inland Empire families, the practical goal is simple: review who is in the household, who has higher risk, which vaccines are due, and whether it makes sense to get more than one vaccine at the same visit.

Flu vaccine: who should ask this fall

California recommends influenza, or flu, vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. Children ages 6 months through 8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time may need two doses at least 4 weeks apart. (cdph.ca.gov)

CDC notes that flu vaccines are available for people age 6 months and older for the 2026–27 season. CDC also reports that all three components of the 2026–27 U.S. seasonal flu vaccines were updated compared with the 2025–26 season. (cdc.gov)

Ask early if you or a family member:

• Is 65 or older
• Is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or recently postpartum
• Has asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or a weakened immune system
• Lives with or cares for someone at higher risk
• Works in healthcare or a congregate setting

A flu shot cannot prevent every flu infection, but vaccination is intended to lower the risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization.

COVID-19 vaccine: how California guidance applies

CDPH’s 2026–27 recommendations include COVID-19 vaccination for adults age 65 and older, adults ages 19–64 with risk factors, people in close contact with others who have risk factors, and anyone who chooses vaccination to reduce the risk of severe illness. CDPH also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, or postpartum. (cdph.ca.gov)

For children, CDPH lists COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by age, risk factors, prior vaccination status, close contact with higher-risk people, and family choice. Parents should bring the child’s vaccine record and ask which schedule applies rather than guessing based on age alone. (cdph.ca.gov)

Some people, including those who are immunocompromised, may need a different COVID-19 vaccine timing plan. CDPH’s COVID-19 timing guidance notes that young children, older adults, and immunocompromised people may need multiple doses for full protection. (cdph.ca.gov)

RSV protection: older adults, pregnancy, infants, and some toddlers

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, often causes cold-like illness, but it can lead to pneumonia or worsening of chronic lung or heart disease in higher-risk adults. CDC recommends RSV vaccine for all adults age 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. (cdc.gov)

CDPH’s RSV guidance lists adults ages 50–74 with increased risk as including people with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, certain other medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease, and people living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. (cdph.ca.gov)

RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine for adults. If you already received an RSV vaccine, you generally should not get another dose at this time unless guidance changes or your clinician advises otherwise. (cdc.gov)

Pregnant patients should ask about RSV vaccine if they will be 32–36 weeks pregnant during the recommended RSV season. CDPH states that infants need protection from either prenatal RSV vaccine or infant RSV immunization, but not both in most cases. (cdph.ca.gov)

Can you get flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines together?

Yes, for eligible patients. CDC states that flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines may be given at the same visit. This can be helpful if scheduling is difficult or if a patient wants to finish fall vaccine planning in one appointment. (cdc.gov)

If you prefer to space them out, CDC says there is no minimum waiting period between these vaccines. People who get more than one vaccine at the same visit may notice expected side effects such as arm soreness, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches; these are usually short-term. (cdc.gov)

Ask your clinician or pharmacist if same-day vaccination is a good fit if you have a history of severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, are moderately or severely ill, are immunocompromised, are pregnant, or have had a prior RSV vaccine.

What to bring to a fall vaccine visit

Bring enough information to make the visit specific to you, not just your age. Helpful items include:

• Your vaccine record, including any COVID-19 and RSV vaccine dates
• A list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements
• Your allergy history, especially any severe vaccine or medication reaction
• Your pregnancy status or due date, if this applies
• A list of chronic conditions, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or immune system problems
• Your insurance card, Medicare card, Medi-Cal information, or pharmacy coverage card
• Questions about timing before travel, family gatherings, surgery, or medical treatments

For older adults, it can also help to bring a family member or caregiver who knows the medication list and recent vaccine history.

In San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health says respiratory virus season in the county typically starts in November and continues through April. The county’s flu page says everyone age 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year, and that flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines such as COVID-19 and RSV. (dph.sbcounty.gov)

The county also notes that, for a limited time, free updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to people who live, work, or go to school in San Bernardino County, with appointments available through MyTurn. (dph.sbcounty.gov)

When to see a primary care doctor

A primary care visit is a good idea if you are unsure which vaccine schedule applies, have multiple medical conditions, take immune-suppressing medicines, are pregnant, are 65 or older, or care for someone medically fragile. Patients in Upland and Rancho Cucamonga can use an annual check-up to review fall vaccines, chronic conditions, medication safety, and a plan for testing or treatment if symptoms start.

Seek urgent or emergency care right away for trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, sudden dizziness, bluish lips or face, severe weakness, dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen. CDC notes that flu and COVID-19 antiviral treatments work best when started as soon as possible, and they are recommended for people at higher risk for severe illness. (cdc.gov)

If you want help deciding which fall vaccines are right for you, call the office or request a visit.

We see patients for this at our Upland and Rancho Cucamonga offices. Request a visit or call either office.