Several leading medical organizations have released updated recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for the 2026-27 respiratory season. This guidance may be especially important for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) because they may have a higher risk of serious infections.

CKD can affect the immune system and increase the risk of complications from respiratory infections. People who are receiving dialysis or a kidney transplant or who use treatments that weaken the immune system may have additional vaccine considerations.

Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses. This can help your body respond more quickly if you’re exposed to them.

🗳️ Have you spoken with your doctor about COVID-19, flu, or RSV vaccinations for 2026-2027?

Yes, and it was helpful.

Yes, but it wasn’t helpful.

No, but I plan to.

No, and I don’t plan to.

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

There isn’t one vaccine plan that’s right for everyone with CKD. Your age, kidney function, dialysis or transplant status, treatment plan, vaccination history, and other health conditions can all influence which vaccines are recommended and when you should receive them.

The Vaccine Integrity Project, working with the American Medical Association (AMA), reviewed the latest evidence on flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations for the 2026-27 respiratory season. The findings helped inform recommendations from several leading medical organizations, including:

The review included 299 studies published mostly between August 2025 and June 2026. It found that flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations continued to provide meaningful protection against hospitalization, severe illness, and death.

The amount of protection can vary based on the virus, the vaccine or immunization, the season, and a person’s health. If you have CKD, your healthcare team may also consider your kidney function, dialysis or transplant status, age, and treatment.

For the 2026-27 respiratory season, COVID-19 and flu vaccines have updated formulations. There are also three RSV vaccines for adults. These vaccines differ in how they are made and which age groups or risk groups they are approved for.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four COVID-19 vaccine options. All four vaccines are given by injection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine for all adults age 18 and older. People with a kidney transplant who take immunosuppressive medicines or people with CKD who use certain treatments that weaken the immune system may need a different schedule. Ask your healthcare team which schedule applies to you.

Flu Vaccines

All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2026-27 season are trivalent, meaning they are designed to protect against three influenza viruses.

Most people need one flu vaccine dose each season. Some children may need a second dose based on their age, vaccination history, or individual health circumstances. For people with CKD, annual injectable flu vaccination is recommended.

The nasal spray flu vaccine FluMist isn’t recommended for people with CKD. Ask your nephrology (kidney care) or transplant team which flu vaccine is appropriate for you.

RSV Vaccines

There are three FDA-approved adult RSV vaccines.

For adults, the CDC recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for everyone age 75 and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. This includes people with end-stage kidney disease who receive dialysis or other treatments that replace kidney function. The RSV vaccine isn’t currently given every year.

For people with CKD, the benefits of vaccination generally outweigh the risks. Current evidence shows that flu, COVID-19, and RSV immunizations can reduce hospitalization, severe illness, and death.

CKD, especially more advanced kidney disease and dialysis, can reduce the immune system’s response to some vaccines. Even so, vaccination can still provide important protection.

Vaccines can cause side effects, but serious side effects are uncommon. Your healthcare team can explain what to expect and help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your:

The right vaccine and timing can vary for people with CKD. Your healthcare team may consider your:

If you’ve had a kidney transplant or take medicines that suppress your immune system, ask your nephrology team about the best vaccine type and timing.

Timing Around Treatments

Having stable CKD or receiving dialysis isn’t usually a reason to delay seasonal vaccination.

If you’re moderately or severely ill, you may need to wait until you’re feeling better. After a kidney transplant, vaccine timing may depend on how recently you had the transplant and the medicines you’re taking.

Don’t stop or change kidney treatment to get vaccinated unless your healthcare team recommends it.

People with CKD, especially those receiving dialysis or immunosuppressive treatment after a kidney transplant, may not respond to vaccines as strongly as people with healthy kidney function. That doesn’t mean vaccination has no benefit.

Staying up to date with seasonal vaccines can help reduce the risk of serious respiratory illness, even when the immune response isn’t as strong. Ask your healthcare team whether your kidney function, dialysis schedule, or transplant history affects which vaccines or doses you should receive.

In many cases, COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit.

Whether that makes sense for you may depend on your treatment schedule, previous vaccinations, expected side effects, and other health needs. Ask your nephrology or transplant team whether getting more than one vaccine at the same appointment is appropriate.