Fall vaccines for your baby: flu, RSV, and COVID, by age

Flu: yearly, starting at 6 months

Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine every year. The CDC recommends getting it by the end of October, since flu activity usually climbs through late fall and winter. September and October are the best months for most children.

Children 6 months through 8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time, or who have only ever had one dose, need two doses this season. The two doses are given at least 4 weeks apart, so start the first dose as early as possible to fit both in before the end of October.

If your baby is under 6 months, they cannot get the flu vaccine yet. The protection in that case comes from everyone around the baby being vaccinated, which is sometimes called cocooning.

RSV: one of two routes for your baby

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants. Most babies are protected one of two ways, and the majority need only one of them, not both.

Route one is the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo), given during pregnancy at 32 through 36 weeks, ideally September through January in most of the continental U.S. The antibodies pass to the baby and protect them for about 6 months after birth.

Route two is an antibody shot given directly to the baby. Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and clesrovimab (Enflonsia) are both recommended for infants under 8 months entering their first RSV season, if the mother did not get the maternal vaccine in pregnancy. Protection lasts at least 5 months. Babies born during RSV season (October through March in most of the U.S.) should get the antibody within one week of birth, often before leaving the hospital.

COVID: 6 months and up, with a focus on the youngest

The CDC recommends the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for people 6 months and older, based on a discussion with your child's clinician about individual risk and benefit.

The AAP recommends the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine for all infants and children 6 through 23 months who do not have a contraindication, because this age group is at high risk for severe COVID. Infants 6 through 11 months have the highest COVID hospitalization rate of any vaccine-eligible pediatric age group.

Talk with your pediatrician about dosing for your child, which depends on age and prior COVID vaccine history.

How to sequence it all

Flu and COVID vaccines can be given at the same visit. The RSV antibody can also be given alongside other routine vaccines.

If you are pregnant, the maternal RSV vaccine at 32 through 36 weeks means your newborn likely will not need the infant antibody. Confirm the plan with your obstetrician and your baby's pediatrician so there is no gap and no duplication.

• Under 6 months: no flu or COVID shot yet; RSV via maternal vaccine in pregnancy or infant antibody
• 6 to 23 months: yearly flu, COVID recommended by AAP, RSV antibody if entering first RSV season and not covered by maternal vaccine
• 2 years and up: yearly flu; COVID and second-season RSV protection per your clinician for higher-risk children

Common questions

At what age can my baby get the flu shot?

Children can get the flu vaccine starting at 6 months of age. It is recommended every year, ideally by the end of October. Babies under 6 months are too young, so the people around them should be vaccinated to reduce the baby's exposure.

Does my baby need the RSV shot if I got the RSV vaccine while pregnant?

Usually no. If you received the maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) at 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby is protected for about 6 months and most infants do not also need the antibody shot. Confirm with your pediatrician, since some situations call for the infant antibody anyway.

What is the age cutoff for the infant RSV antibody?

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and clesrovimab (Enflonsia) are recommended for infants younger than 8 months who are entering their first RSV season and were not protected by a maternal RSV vaccine. Some high-risk children 8 to 19 months may qualify for a dose in their second season.

When should my baby get RSV protection?

Shortly before RSV season, which is generally October through March in most of the continental U.S. Babies born during the season should get the antibody within one week of birth, often in the hospital. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy works best between September and January.

Can my baby get the flu, COVID, and RSV shots at the same visit?

Yes. Flu and COVID vaccines can be given together, and the RSV antibody can be given at the same visit as routine immunizations. Spacing them out is not required, though you can ask your pediatrician to schedule them however works for your family.

My child needs two flu doses. How far apart are they?

Children 6 months through 8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time, or who have had only one dose ever, need two doses given at least 4 weeks apart. Start the first dose early so the second can be done by the end of October.

Is the COVID vaccine recommended for babies under 2?

The AAP recommends the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine for all infants and children 6 through 23 months without a contraindication, because this group is at high risk for severe COVID. Babies under 6 months are not yet eligible. Discuss dosing with your pediatrician.

Sources & further reading

1. CDC: Immunizations to Protect Infants (RSV)
2. CDC: 2025-2026 Flu Season
3. CDC: Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
4. HealthyChildren.org (AAP): AAP Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-26 Season
5. AAP News: AAP updates RSV immunization guidance

This guide reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.