Holiday Gatherings with a Newborn: How to Lower Risks of RSV, Covid, & Flu

Should I bring my newborn to holiday gatherings? If you’re a new parent, there’s no doubt this question is on your mind this season. First, COVID changed everything about how families gather for holidays. Then came RSV and reports of overflowing ERs. Now, new and changing recommendations about COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccines have lots of families questioning who should attend this year’s holiday party. Here’s what new parents need to know about the benefits and risks of attending holiday gatherings with their newborn in 2025. 

Read our full guide to RSV and the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and babies.

Respiratory Viruses

Viruses thrive during colder months when people spend more time indoors. Viruses like COVID-19, Influenza (the flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are highly contagious and spread by droplets and respiratory secretions. Transmission can occur by:

• Inhaling droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or even regular exhalation 
• Touching a contaminated surface then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth

These viruses cause mild to moderate symptoms in most children, such as:

• Congestion, Sneezing, and Runny Nose
• Coughing or Shortness of Breath
• Fever, Chills
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle Aches
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting

However, those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or very young can develop severe complications. RSV is of particular concern to newborns as it can cause difficulty breathing. Most adults and older children with RSV experience typical cold-like symptoms, while babies and children under 2 can develop severe respiratory distress that requires hospitalization. 

Will this winter be bad for Respiratory Viruses?

Scientists predict the severity of respiratory infections using data from the season before. The CDC predicts that in general, rates of respiratory viruses for the winter of 2025-2026 will be very similar to last year. Specifically, COVID rates may be higher this winter because last summer’s COVID surge was mild (so fewer people have immunity). RSV rates, on the other hand, may be lower because there is now an RSV vaccine for older people. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, last winter’s flu season was severe, and it is unusual to have two severe seasons back-to-back.

Should Pregnant People, Newborns & Children Get Vaccines for COVID, RSV, and Flu?

Lately there have been conflicting recommendations about whether newborns, children, and pregnant people should be vaccinated against COVID, RSV, and Flu, or even if the vaccines are available. This has led to a lot of confusion for new parents!

The following is a summary of the vaccine recommendations for babies and pregnant people from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College of and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

RSV Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-2026

Pregnant people should receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if their baby will be born during RSV season (October through March). Their baby will not need an additional infant RSV vaccine.

Infants birth through 8 months should get the RSV vaccine if their birth parent DID NOT receive an RSV vaccine AND they are going into their first RSV season. This shot can be given at the hospital after birth or at a well-baby checkup. 

Babies 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk of severe RSV AND are going into their second RSV season should also receive the vaccine. 

COVID Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-2026

Pregnant people should receive a COVID vaccine at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating, according to ACOG. The CDC only suggests COVID vaccines for this age population on a case-by-case basis.

Infants younger than 6 months CANNOT receive a COVID vaccine, so it is recommended that their birth parent and all other household members be vaccinated.

Infants 6 months through 2 years should receive a COVID vaccine, according to the AAP and AAFP. The CDC only suggests COVID vaccines for this age group on a case-by-case basis. Only certain versions of the vaccine are approved for this age group, which may impact availability. 

Children 2 through 18 years who are at increased risk of severe COVID and complications should receive one or two doses of the COVID vaccine, according to the AAP. The CDC only suggests COVID vaccines for this age group on a case-by-case basis. Only certain versions of the vaccine are approved for this age group, which may impact availability. 

Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-2026

Pregnant people should receive the Flu vaccine any time during pregnancy, in the postpartum period, or when lactating, especially if their baby will be born during flu season (September through March). A prenatal vaccine protects the infant in the first months of life (up to 6 months). The nasal spray flu vaccine is NOT approved for pregnant people. 

Infants younger than 6 months CANNOT receive a flu vaccine, so it is recommended that their birth parent and all other household members be vaccinated.

Anyone older than 6 months should receive the flu vaccine through an injection or with the nasal spray. It is recommended that people get their flu vaccine before flu season starts. Young children may require two doses of the vaccine. 

Risks vs Benefits of Attending Holiday Gatherings during Winter Illness Season

Parents of newborns face a tough decision this holiday season, since the risks of attending holiday gatherings are highest for our youngest family members. Any illness, especially one that causes a fever or impacts breathing, is considered a medical emergency for infants under 3 months of age. Parents will need to weigh the risks of attending the gathering against the benefits of celebrating with family.

Risks

There’s no doubt that indoor gatherings increase the risk of catching a respiratory virus. But other factors that affect transmission risk come into play, such as:

• Each person’s exposure history (Do they work at home vs. work in a school or hospital? Do they live locally or did they travel to the gathering via airplane?)
• Air ventilation and air quality
• Number of people in attendance and the ability to socially distance
• Length of time spent at the gathering

Additionally, the ongoing debate surrounding vaccinations may mean that not everyone at the gathering will agree on best practices for keeping everyone healthy. 

Benefits

It may go without saying, but holiday gatherings are about being with the people we love! There are so many benefits to gathering for special occasions:

• Strengthening Bonds. Holiday gatherings provide a natural opportunity to deepen relationships with family and friends and to reconnect outside of the digital world.
• Creating Memories. Whether it was that perfectly timed holiday light show or the deep-fried turkey that nearly burned down the garage, shared experiences can become cherished stories passed down through generations.
• Honoring Cultural Traditions. Holiday rituals foster shared identity and cultural pride, particularly for younger family members who benefit from seeing (and being part of) traditions upheld.
• Increasing support and reducing isolation. Modern parenthood is isolating enough, without the added stress of social distancing. A holiday gathering can reconnect new parents with the outside world, plus give friends and family a chance to offer their help.

Including babies and young children in our family and community gatherings can instill a wonderful sense of normalcy in a very chaotic time of year. So how do we include all the people we love while keeping everyone healthy?

Keep holiday gatherings safe from RSV, COVID, and the Flu

There are a few basic things everyone can do to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, whether there is newborn in attendance or not: 

• Wash hands frequently (at least 20 seconds!) and/or use hand sanitizer
• Stay home when feeling sick, and stay home until symptoms are gone
• Stay up to date on vaccinations for COVID, RSV, and the Flu.
• Wear a mask when feeling ill or when attending a crowded event.

Parents may also have to remind guests of the “new” rules for getting close to the baby:

• No kissing the baby. In addition to spreading respiratory germs, kisses can spread lots of other viruses! “Babies love to have their feet tickled!” can work well for eager cousins.
• No fingers in the baby’s mouth. It may be super cute when a baby grabs Nana’s finger and starts chewing on it, but a designated pacifier or teething object is a safer choice. 
• Don’t hand the baby to anyone else without checking with a parent. Due to their vaccination status or exposure risk, there may be someone at the gathering that the parents are not comfortable with holding the baby.

It may also be helpful if someone else at the party helps keep an eye on the guests to make sure they are following the rules, so the parents can relax and enjoy themselves too!

Holiday gatherings are meant to be enjoyed, so don’t let a respiratory virus get in the way of a good time. Share with the party host what your comfort level is around risk of illness. And don’t forget the best part of having a newborn: it is completely socially acceptable to arrive late, leave early, or even cancel altogether. However you choose to celebrate, may you and your family have a magical holiday season.And if your most heartfelt holiday wish is to get a good night of sleep while your baby is taken care of by a trusted professional, consider adding our daytime, overnight, or 24/7 newborn care services to your wish list! Book a call today.