Updated evidence for COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza vaccines for 2025–2026

SummaryThis comprehensive systematic review by leading US researchers, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, synthesizes new evidence on the effectiveness and safety of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccines approved for use in the United States for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The study addresses the need for rigorous, independent evidence assessment following recent disruptions to US federal vaccine-advisory processes, ensuring clinicians and policymakers have access to high-quality, timely data for decision-making. MethodsResearchers screened over 17,000 articles and included 511 studies—randomized trials, cohort, and case-control studies—published since the last major Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) review. Coverage included vaccine efficacy and effectiveness against hospitalization (primary endpoint), medically attended infection, and severe outcomes, as well as comprehensive vaccine safety, with stratification by age, pregnancy, and immune status. Main evidence and results COVID-19 Vaccines: mRNA vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 showed moderate-to-high effectiveness (46–50% against hospitalization). Protection is higher in adults >65 (~56%), lower in...