Got Your Shots? News: September 2026

Minnesota Department of Health sent this bulletin at 09/28/2026 01:39 PM CDT
Minnesota Department of Health

Got Your Shots? News

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Sept. 28, 2026

In This Edition

Measles update

Measles continues to spread nationally, with over 3,600 cases reported in the United States so far in 2026. Forty new outbreaks are occurring nationwide with only five states that haven’t reported measles cases. This year Minnesota has 18 reported cases.

Clinicians should consider measles in patients with fever, rash, cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis and a history of any recent travel or reported exposure. If measles is suspected, notify the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) immediately at 651-201-5414. Resources can be found on Reporting Measles (Rubeola) for submitting lab specimens for testing and reporting.

Respiratory season vaccine update

The American Medical Association (AMA) in partnership with the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) has completed an independent evidence review of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunizations that reaffirms the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines.

Following its release, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) aligned their clinical recommendations across patient populations. For more information and a consolidated version of the recommendations visit AMA: Vaccine recommendations. 

MDH endorses these updated recommendations.

 AMA consolidated respiratory recommendations

What’s new?  

  • Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all healthcare personnel. 
  • The eligibility period for maternal RSV vaccination has been extended to March 1 (previously Jan. 31).  
  • Additional high-risk conditions have been added for 8 to 19-month-old children entering their second RSV season.  
  • mFlusiva, the new mRNA flu vaccine, is now licensed for people over 50 years of age and preferentially recommended for anyone 65 years of age and older.  

Respiratory vaccine messaging 

Co-administration of influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV vaccines remains a safe and effective strategy to improve vaccine uptake, but bundling respiratory virus immunization messaging can obscure important differences in how patients perceive each vaccine. Research shows that concerns and questions vary by vaccine, and Infodemiology.com recommends the following: 

  • Promote each vaccine separately. Focus messaging on the specific vaccine to minimize spillover hesitancy between products.  
  • Address vaccine-specific questions and concerns. Tailor communication to the unique issues associated with each immunization. 
  • Adjust messaging to reflect lived experiences. Patients evaluate vaccine need based on personal experience, risk perception, and community context.   
  • Differentiate between questions and entrenched narratives. Provide clear answers to authentic questions while avoiding amplification of entrenched misinformation.  

To learn more review Infodemiology.com: Different viruses, different questions: Lessons from California’s 2025–2026 respiratory virus season.

RespSafe registration is now open

RespSafe registration is now open for Minnesota hospitals and long-term care (LTC) facilities (e.g., skilled nursing facilities) who wish to participate for the 2026-27 respiratory season. RespSafe is an immunization improvement and recognition program for facilities committed to improving their staff’s flu and COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates.  

MDH endorses recommendations that include flu and COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare personnel (HCP). Recommendations for HCP vaccinations available from:

Organizations that choose to participate will be recognized based on overall flu vaccination coverage rates achieved, along with strongly encouraging flu and COVID-19 vaccination with their staff and implementing vaccination activities. For more information, including steps to participate, visit RespSafe. Questions about the program can be sent to health.respsafe.mdh@state.mn.us.

Disease data, diagnosis, testing, and reporting

As we enter the fall and winter months and an increased risk for vaccine-preventable disease spread, know where to find up to date information and resources for your patients. Favorite or bookmark the following MDH websites:

Each of these pages includes links to clinical features, reporting, vaccine, lab testing, treatment or other prevention information.

Reminder recall postcards

MDH will be sending out an HPV postcard toward the end of October. The postcard will be sent to parents and guardians of children 11 to 12 years of age as of Jan. 1 due for their first dose of HPV.

In November, we will be sending out second-round postcards to parents and guardians of children 18 to 24 months of age as of July 1 due for the routine series of childhood vaccines that includes DTaP, hepatitis B, Hib, MMR, PCV, polio, and varicella.

Postcards are sent out to Minnesotans statewide unless the person has opted out of MIIC reminder recall mailings. If you have any questions about reminder recall mailings, contact health.miichelp@state.mn.us.

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