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 ovarian cancer, particularly those receiving treatments that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of serious infections.

Some ovarian cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, can lower white blood cell counts and increase the risk of infection. Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses. This can help your body respond more quickly if you’re exposed.

🗳️ 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

The best vaccine plan can be different for each person with ovarian cancer. Your age, cancer treatment, and other health conditions can affect which vaccines you need and when to get them. How well your immune system works and which vaccines you’ve had before also matter.

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:

• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• 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 ovarian cancer, vaccination decisions should take into account factors such as age, treatment, and immune function.

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.

For people with ovarian cancer whose immune system is weakened by treatment, the IDSA recommends discussing whether a second 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine dose may be helpful, 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.

People with ovarian cancer who have weakened immune systems shouldn’t receive the live-attenuated nasal flu vaccine FluMist, per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IDSA.

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 ovarian cancer who have weakened immune systems, the IDSA recommends RSV vaccination starting at age 18. 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 ovarian cancer. Some treatments, especially chemotherapy, can lower white blood cell counts and increase the chance of infection.

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:

• Your cancer status, current treatment, and whether treatment affects immune function
• Your age and other health conditions
• Which vaccines and doses you’ve already received, and whether you need a different COVID-19 vaccination schedule because your immune system is weakened

Timing Around Treatments and Cancer Procedures

Timing may also matter. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends getting vaccinated two to four weeks before planned cancer treatment when possible. However, nonlive vaccines can also be given during or after chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal treatment, radiation, or surgery.

For people receiving chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, low blood counts don’t automatically mean nonlive vaccines need to be delayed.

Your oncology team can recommend the best timing based on your treatment and immune function. Don’t delay, skip, or change ovarian cancer treatment to get vaccinated unless your oncology team recommends it.

People with weakened immune systems 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 treatment schedule, previous vaccinations, expected side effects, and other health needs. Ask your oncology or primary care team whether getting more than one vaccine at the same appointment is right for you.

7 Questions To Ask Your Oncology Team About Seasonal Vaccines

1. Which flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines do you recommend for me?
2. Does my ovarian cancer or current treatment affect which vaccines I should receive?
3. Is there a best time to get vaccinated based on my treatment schedule or an upcoming surgery?
4. Do I need an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose?
5. Should I receive an RSV vaccine based on my age, treatment, and immune function?
6. Can I receive more than one vaccine at the same appointment?
7. Is the nasal spray flu vaccine appropriate for me?