RSV is still quiet. The AAP still widened who gets a second-season shot.

Editorial context for parents, not medical advice.

The most useful infant-health development this week is a mismatch: RSV activity in the United States is still very low as of the CDC snapshot dated 25 September 2026, while the American Academy of Pediatrics has already widened who should get a second-season RSV immunization for 2026–2027. Quiet September is not a promise of a quiet January.

What CDC said

As of 25 September 2026, CDC reported acute respiratory illness sending people to care is very low; RSV is very low nationwide; flu is low; COVID-19 activity remains elevated but declining, with hospitalizations still low; rhinovirus/enterovirus and group A strep are increasing. CDC still expects 2026–2027 peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, flu, and RSV to look like last season.

What AAP changed

AAP still recommends RSV immunization for infants younger than 8 months entering a first RSV season unless they have documented protection from vaccination of a pregnant parent. For ages 8 through 19 months at high risk, AAP expanded second-season groups to include preterm birth before 32 weeks 0 days; hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease; anatomic pulmonary or neuromuscular disorders that raise severe-RSV risk; and Down syndrome or other chromosomal differences at higher risk. These are long-acting monoclonal antibodies, not a toddler RSV vaccine in the everyday sense.

Competing viewpoints

Pediatric ID groups say the extra groups were overdue. Payers and some offices push back on logistics and stocking. Families hear three playbooks at one well visit: flu universal from 6 months; COVID universal 6–23 months then risk-based; RSV age- and risk-stratified.

What to do this week

Ask about first-season protection if under 8 months. Ask about second-season eligibility and stock if 8–19 months and high risk. Do not treat a quiet 25 September snapshot as a reason to skip the visit. This is not a substitute for your child’s clinician.

Sources: CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel 25 September 2026; AAP RSV 2026–2027 policy.