Health
Who Can Get the New COVID Vaccine?
Health Points
- New COVID-19 vaccines are available for high-risk groups only
- Eligibility and access vary by state amid shifting CDC guidance
- Vaccines updated to better match current virus variants
As respiratory virus season nears, updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2025-2026 have received FDA approval, but access is now limited to individuals at higher risk, such as those over 65 or people with certain health conditions. While these vaccines remain safe and effective, recent changes to federal recommendations mean your ability to get vaccinated may depend on age, underlying health, and where you live.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory panel has delayed guidance on who should get the vaccine, leaving some pharmacies unable to administer shots without prescriptions in over a dozen states. Three states have paused pharmacy distribution until official recommendations are released.
Leadership changes at the CDC and updates to vaccine guidelines have created some confusion, especially as both federal agencies and healthcare providers await further instructions.
“We are concerned about the new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines,” says Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
This uncertainty has prompted many people to seek answers about who is eligible and how to receive the updated shots.
For the upcoming season, the FDA has authorized three vaccines for those at higher risk: Moderna (ages 6 months and older), Pfizer (5 years and older), and Novavax (12 years and older). Moderna and Pfizer use mRNA technology, while Novavax is a protein-based option.
These vaccines are reformulated to better protect against current strains, specifically targeting the LP.8.1 subvariant. Novavax’s formulation addresses the JN.1 variant.
Medical experts agree the latest COVID-19 vaccines are effective at reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer indicate a stronger immune response compared to older versions, while Novavax’s data shows broad protection against newer variants.
Protection from the new vaccines is expected to last four to six months, according to Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.
“We never know how effective the annual version of a vaccine is until after the fact. That’s also true for flu,” explains Dorit Reiss, vaccine policy expert at the University of California Law San Francisco.
The shots don’t prevent infection every time, but experts underscore vaccination is still the best way to minimize risk.
“It’s a lot more effective than zero vaccine,” says Reiss.
Pfizer and Moderna have begun shipping their updated vaccines, which are expected to become available soon in pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Novavax is working to distribute its non-mRNA vaccine this fall, but availability may depend on when pharmacies receive their supply.
The new eligibility criteria limit COVID-19 vaccines to people aged 65 and older, and those ages 6 months to 64 years who have at least one condition that increases the risk of serious COVID-19. While the FDA hasn’t listed specific high-risk conditions, the CDC includes diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, cancer, mental health disorders, physical inactivity, and smoking. Pregnancy’s inclusion as a qualifying condition is currently unclear due to shifting recommendations.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or vaccine availability in your area, call your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for the latest updates—taking action early this season may help protect your health and those around you.
