Updated Evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and Influenza Vaccines for 2025–2026

November 4, 2025

Source: Scott, et al NEJM October 29, 2025. CC= case control studies

The New England Journal of Medicine published a meta-analysis of 511 recently published studies of the efficacy of vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The authors limited their review to studies from 2024 onward for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, and from 2023 onward for RSV vaccines, to reflect current protection levels.

They analyzed different populations and, in some cases, distinguished between case–control studies (comparing people who develop infection vs. those who don’t) and cohort studies (comparing those who receive the vaccine vs. those who don’t).

Implications for employers:

• Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to provide strong protection against hospitalization across all population groups.

• Employers are still required to cover these vaccinations without cost sharing and can continue to encourage employees to stay up to date.
  

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