The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved updated Covid-19 vaccines for the 2025–2026 season. However, new restrictions and changes in eligibility have left many people feeling uncertain about who can get them, what protection they provide, and whether insurance will cover the cost.
This guide breaks down the key information you need to know about the latest Covid vaccines.
How Many Updated Covid Vaccines Are Available?
There are three updated Covid vaccines that have been authorised for use:
Moderna – approved for individuals aged six months and older.
Pfizer – approved for those aged five years and older.
Novavax – approved for those aged 12 years and older.
These vaccines are designed to provide enhanced protection against newer strains of the virus.
Which Strains Do the New Vaccines Target?
The updated vaccines focus on the JN.1 lineage of Covid-19, specifically using the LP.8.1 strain.
The JN.1 lineage is a descendant of the Omicron variant.
At present, the dominant U.S. strain is known as XFG (nicknamed “stratus”), according to data from WastewaterSCAN.
Since XFG is closely related to LP.8.1, health experts believe the vaccines will still offer strong protection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the updated shots should be effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalisation, and death linked to the dominant strain.
Who Is Eligible for the Updated Vaccine?
Previously, Covid vaccines were available to everyone aged six months and above. However, the FDA has now limited eligibility.
Automatically eligible: Adults aged 65 and older.
Also eligible: Individuals aged six months and older who have at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of severe Covid infection.
The vaccines will likely be available at pharmacies, hospitals, and health clinics, with most insurance plans expected to cover the cost for those who qualify.
What Counts as “High Risk” for Severe Covid?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed 22 qualifying conditions earlier this year, which may make someone eligible for vaccination. These include:
Obesity
Diabetes
Asthma
Cancer
Depression
Pregnancy was initially included as a qualifying condition. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has since stated that healthy pregnant individuals may not qualify under the latest guidance.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet on 18 September 2025 to review and possibly update this list.
Can Healthy Adults and Children Still Get the Vaccine?
If you are a healthy young adult or child without an underlying condition, getting the vaccine may be possible—but it is not straightforward.
Adults may need a prescription from a doctor before going to a pharmacy or clinic.
Children require shared decision-making between parents and doctors, meaning an official discussion before a prescription can be issued.
Barriers to Access
Many Americans do not have a regular primary care doctor.
The out-of-pocket cost of the vaccine is around $150 for uninsured individuals.
Some doctors may hesitate to prescribe the vaccine “off-label” since the FDA has not officially recommended it for healthy low-risk groups.
According to the CDC, over 27 million Americans currently lack health insurance, which could make access even more difficult.
What Happens Next?
The ACIP meeting on 18 September will be crucial. Its decisions, followed by approval from the CDC, will:
Clarify who exactly qualifies as “high risk.”
Determine whether insurance companies will cover the vaccine for different groups.
Offer clearer guidelines for healthcare providers and the general public.
Final Thoughts
The updated Covid vaccines for 2025–2026 promise strong protection against severe illness caused by the latest strains of the virus. However, access has been limited to older adults and people with underlying health conditions, leaving younger healthy individuals facing barriers to vaccination.
More details are expected later this month once the CDC and ACIP finalise their recommendations. Until then, experts advise staying informed, consulting your healthcare provider, and considering your personal health risks when deciding about vaccination.
References
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – FDA Covid-19 Vaccine Updates
World Health Organization (WHO) – Covid-19 Guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – High-Risk Medical Conditions for Covid-19
WastewaterSCAN – U.S. Covid Variant Tracking Data
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