Several leading medical organizations have released updated recommendations for flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for the 2026-27 respiratory season. The guidance, available through the Vaccine Integrity Project, is especially important for people with psoriasis. Some treatments for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can affect the immune system and may change when vaccines should be given.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, which means the immune system is overactive and causes inflammation. This makes skin cells build up too quickly. Some people with psoriasis also have PsA, which causes joint inflammation.

Some systemic (whole-body) psoriasis treatments, including certain oral medications and biologics, affect how the immune system works. This may influence which vaccines are appropriate or when they should be given.

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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.

There isn’t one vaccine plan that’s right for everyone with psoriasis. Your age, treatment plan, immune function, 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, 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:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)

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. For people with psoriasis, vaccination decisions should take into account factors such as age, treatment, and how well their immune system works.

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 IDSA recommends that people with weakened immune systems discuss receiving a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine two to six months after the first dose.

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 taking certain psoriasis treatments that affect the immune system, vaccine timing may need to be planned with their healthcare team.

People taking some systemic psoriasis treatments generally should avoid live-attenuated vaccines such as the nasal flu vaccine FluMist. If a live vaccine is needed, their healthcare team can help decide whether treatment should be paused before and after vaccination.

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.

For people with weakened immune systems, the IDSA recommends RSV vaccination starting at age 18. Some psoriasis treatments can weaken the immune system, so your healthcare team can help determine whether this guidance applies to you. The RSV vaccine isn’t currently given every year.

For people who are immunocompromised, 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. People with weakened immune systems may not respond as strongly to vaccines, but vaccination can still provide 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:

• Treatment plan
• Immune function
• Age
• Previous reactions
• Other health conditions

The right vaccine and timing can vary for people with psoriasis. Some systemic treatments, including oral medications and biologics, affect the immune system and may influence vaccine timing or how strongly your body responds.

It’s important to ask not only which products are available, but which type, dose, and timing make sense for you.

Your healthcare team may consider:

• Which psoriasis or PsA treatments you’re receiving and how they affect your immune system
• Whether your treatment may affect how well vaccines work or when you should receive them
• Your age, other health conditions, and vaccination history
• Whether you may need an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose

Timing Around Treatments

Timing may also matter. National Psoriasis Foundation guidance says most oral and biologic psoriasis treatments generally don’t need to be interrupted for nonlive vaccines.

However, some treatments, such as methotrexate, may need to be paused. Live vaccines may also require stopping certain treatments before and after vaccination.

Your dermatology or rheumatology team can recommend the best timing based on your treatment and immune function. Don’t delay, skip, or change psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treatment to get vaccinated unless your healthcare team recommends it.

People taking some treatments that affect the immune system may not develop as strong a response to vaccines as people with healthy immune systems. That doesn’t mean vaccination has no benefit.

The Vaccine Integrity Project found that respiratory-virus immunizations continued to reduce severe outcomes among people with immunocompromising conditions, although protection varied.

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 psoriasis treatment schedule, previous vaccinations, expected side effects, and other health needs. Ask your healthcare team whether getting more than one vaccine at the same appointment is appropriate.

7 Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Team About Seasonal Vaccines

1. Which flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines do you recommend for me?
2. Does my current psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis treatment affect which vaccines I should receive?
3. Is there a best time to get vaccinated based on my treatment schedule?
4. Do I need an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose?
5. Should I receive an RSV vaccine this season?
6. Can I receive more than one vaccine at the same appointment?
7. Do I need to make any changes to my psoriasis treatment before or after getting vaccinated?