VFC Respiratory Season Vaccines
This message is being sent to Vaccines for Children providers, local health officers, Tribal health directors, and immunization program staff.
Respiratory virus season is getting ready to kick off, and with that comes planning for respiratory virus immunizations.
Please keep in mind that all VFC providers should carry all routinely recommended vaccines for the patients that they serve, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV products. This policy ensures that all VFC eligible children have access to these vaccines in their medical home.
VFC respiratory vaccines for the 2026–27 season
RSV products
There will be two RSV monoclonal antibodies available through the VFC program this year: Nirsevimab and Clesrovimab. These products are administered to infants from October 1 through March 31.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all infants less than 8 months of age whose birthing parent has not received the RSV vaccine during this pregnancy receive the RSV monoclonal antibody within seven days of birth. This will either happen at the hospital (ideally) or at the infant's first health care provider visit.
For more information see the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) full recommendations and the DHS infant RSV immunization flyer (PDF).
VFC providers should begin to order starting August 17, 2025 to ensure they will have sufficient stock to start immunization on October 1.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus)-long-acting monoclonal antibody for infants
This product is one of two recommended for all infants less than 8 months of age whose birthing parent has not received the RSV vaccine.
Additionally, infants who are 8–19 months and are high risk (which includes all American Indian and Alaska Native infants) should also receive nirsevimab.
Similar to last year, it will be available in 50 mg or 100 mg presentations in five dose packages.
Clesrovimab (Enflonsia)-long-acting monoclonal antibody for infants
This product is one of two recommended for all infants less than 8 months of age whose birthing parent has not received the RSV vaccine.
It is important to note that this product is currently only licensed for use for infants in their first RSV season, so nirsevimab will still be needed for those who are recommended to receive the monoclonal antibody in their second RSV season. For more information see the DHS infant RSV immunization (PDF) flyer.
Clesrovimab may be administered from October through March. VFC providers should begin to order clesrovimab in WIR on August 17, 2026 to ensure they have sufficient stock to start immunization on October 1.
Abrysvo-vaccine for pregnant individuals
Abrysvo is available for ordering in WIR as of July 20, 2026. It should be administered September through January to pregnant patients who are between 32 through 36 weeks and 6 days gestation.
COVID-19 vaccines
VFC providers are expected to stock COVID-19 vaccines for VFC patients once it becomes available. Further information about the timing of vaccine availability will be shared when it is available.
Influenza vaccines
Influenza doses for VFC providers will begin to ship in late August or early September. Keep in mind that influenza may arrive in multiple shipments and may be bundled with other VFC (or VFA) vaccines. If you need additional doses beyond what you have prebooked, please reach out to the VFC program. A limited number of doses are available.
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