Each fall, updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccines are released simultaneously with the annual flu shot. These updated vaccines are specifically formulated to protect individuals against the virus strains that are anticipated to circulate in the upcoming months, rather than focusing solely on the strains that were prevalent the previous year. However, this year, the process of obtaining an updated COVID vaccine may prove to be more complicated than usual.
In August 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidance that limits the groups eligible for the updated COVID vaccine. According to this guidance, only individuals aged 65 or older, or those who are at least 6 months old with an underlying health condition that increases their risk for severe COVID infection, are recommended to receive the updated shot. For those outside these two groups, a doctor's consultation may be necessary to obtain a prescription for the vaccine, and even then, coverage by insurance may not be guaranteed.
The current situation surrounding the updated COVID vaccine is causing confusion, as the landscape varies significantly from state to state. Traditionally, vaccine advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) review and provide recommendations regarding COVID vaccines, a process that is expected to occur next week, from September 18 to 19. However, the addition of prominent vaccine opponents to this committee has raised questions about the potential outcomes of their recommendations.
In response to the federal guidance, certain states are already taking measures to broaden access to the updated vaccines. For instance, Minnesota and New York have issued executive orders aimed at increasing their residents' access to the shots. Similarly, New Jersey's health department has released a directive with the same goal. Furthermore, states such as Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii have formed an alliance to provide unified vaccine recommendations, although specific details regarding the 2025-2026 COVID vaccines have yet to be disclosed.
If you have attempted to receive a COVID vaccine this year, we invite you to share your experience in our poll below. Have you faced any particular challenges while trying to get this year's COVID vaccine? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section. Stay tuned for more updates, as Live Science will be publishing additional guidance on the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine next week.
