Health experts are sounding the alarm as Covid-19 vaccinations for individuals under 65 may soon face significant restrictions. According to predictions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could announce changes as early as Friday that may limit vaccine eligibility to only high-risk populations. This means that younger adults who are not considered immunocompromised might find themselves unable to receive the upcoming 2025–26 vaccine, raising concerns among health professionals.
“If you’re under 65 and not high risk, the window to get a Covid-19 vaccine is right now — before the FDA label changes,” epidemiologists Katelyn Jetelina and Hannah Totte highlighted in their recent Substack newsletter. They emphasized that once the FDA adjusts its guidelines, access to the vaccine may be restricted immediately, if not sooner.
Their warnings were echoed by other medical professionals, including Dr. Lucky Tran, a biochemist, who noted that while many individuals may qualify as high-risk for Covid, the forthcoming FDA changes could tighten eligibility criteria significantly. “They may change this list and make it much more restricted when they change the FDA label,” Tran cautioned.
In recent weeks, Covid-19 rates have surged across much of the United States, particularly in the western regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that wastewater levels for Covid are peaking in states such as Alaska, California, Hawaii, Texas, Nevada, and Utah. In San Francisco, the situation is particularly concerning, with data indicating a “high” risk of Covid as reflected by wastewater treatment plant reports.
Meanwhile, the rates of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain low, leading to further concerns about the ongoing Covid crisis. Matt Willis, the former Marin County public health officer, remarked, “We’re in an unfortunate limbo, created by an administration that’s uncommitted to vaccines,” referencing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of raising doubts about immunization efficacy.
In light of these developments, San Francisco health officials have adopted a cautious stance. The Public Health Department is urging residents to stay current on Covid vaccinations, stressing that anyone who has not received the 2024–25 vaccine should do so immediately. The department advocates for two doses for individuals aged 65 and older or those who are immunocompromised. They also recommend considering the use of well-fitted masks in crowded indoor environments and staying home when feeling unwell.
“We continue to monitor federal vaccine guidance for the upcoming 2025–26 respiratory virus season,” the department stated, highlighting the importance of staying informed about vaccine availability.
Health officials are concerned that recent changes to vaccine guidelines may further complicate access to Covid vaccinations. In May, Secretary Kennedy revised the vaccination schedule, excluding pregnant women and healthy children. Following the rollout of any new guidelines, unused doses of the 2024–25 Covid vaccine will likely be disposed of by pharmacies, according to UCSF immunology expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong.
Dr. Chin-Hong also expressed concern that even those who remain eligible for the vaccine might hesitate to get vaccinated due to confusion surrounding the new eligibility criteria. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently recommended Covid shots for all children aged 6 to 23 months, which is a more assertive position compared to the CDC’s more flexible recommendation.
With the potential for new guidelines, there is a growing fear that deaths and hospitalizations from Covid among children could increase. CDC data indicates that children under 2 accounted for a staggering 57% of pediatric Covid hospitalizations in 2024. Dr. Chin-Hong noted, “What happens is no one gets it because patients are confused. It’s the vulnerable populations that get caught up in this confusion.”
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for individuals, especially those under 65 and at risk, to stay informed and take action to protect themselves against Covid-19.
