Yes, the FDA recently approved three updated COVID vaccines for the 2026-2027 season that will target the JN.1 lineage XFG subvariant of the virus (SARS-CoV-2), and they are available.
At the end of August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID vaccines for the 2026/2027 season.
Let’s break it down: They are Moderna’s mRNA SpikeVax and mNEXSPIKE vaccines, Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine Comirnaty XFG and Novavax-Sanofi’s Nuvaxovid, which is protein-based rather than using mRNA technology.
All four vaccines are designed to target the XFG variant, which is the current strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is circulating the most in the US (aka the dominant strain).
So what is the lowdown on those new vaccines? Who are they for?
💉Pfizer’s Comirnaty XFG has been approved for people who are 65 years and older, and those who are aged 5-64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
💉Moderna has been given the green light for two vaccines:
SpikeVax for people aged 65 years and older and those aged 6 months to 64 years with at least one underlying condition that might put them at high risk of severe disease.
mNEXSPIKE for folks aged 65 years and older and those who are 12-64 years with at least one underlying condition
💉Novavax Sanofi’s Nuvaxovid has been approved for people who are 65 years of age and older, and those aged 12 years through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.
❗Remember, the best COVID vaccine to get is the one that is available to you. And any protection is better than no protection. ❗
What about the CDC, though? Don’t they normally issue recommendations?
Yes, they do. Once the FDA has approved a vaccine, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) weighs in to make recommendations. However, ACIP has not met since December 2025, so for now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued any updated recommendations. This means their recommendations for 2025/2026 stand [correct as of 9/4/2026].
Since the CDC vaccine advisory committee is not meeting, others have stepped in to make sure new evidence is being considered in this year’s recommendations. On September 2nd, 2026, the Vaccine Integrity Project and the American Medical Association released evidence reviews on fall respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. They found that the COVID-19 vaccines help reduce the risk of severe disease, and they didn’t find any new safety concerns. This evidence was then used by medical societies to make their updated fall vaccine recommendations.
Here are the recommendations that the American Medical Association compiled together with other leading medical associations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA):
✅ Children 0-18: Children aged 6 months – 23 months are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as those aged 2-18 years who are at higher risk of severe disease, and others can get it if desired.
✅ Adults 19-64: Are recommended to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine every year.
✅ Adults 65+: Are recommended to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine every year, followed by a second dose 6 months later to increase protection.
✅ Immunocompromised folks: A yearly updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older.
✅ Pregnant folks: Are recommended to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine
When will they be available, and who will pay for it?
According to various press releases, as shipments roll out, they should be available imminently at pharmacies and in health care centers. Availability may vary from state to state, though, and some states may require a prescription. Availability at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens should also be widespread, but again may differ between states.
Health insurers who are part of the trade organization AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans), and both Medicaid and Medicare continue to cover the cost of the updated COVID vaccinations for now.
What about timing?
You can get this updated dose as soon as you want, as long as it’s been 4-6 months since a COVID infection or your last vaccine dose to ensure you get the most benefit possible.
And it is Ok to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines together if you wish! Discuss the best timing for both with your clinician or pharmacist to optimize protection.
Bottom line: Updated COVID vaccines are here for the 2026/2027 season, and if you qualify, this is a great time to get that jab in your arm, especially if you haven’t had a dose since last fall! And if you are not sure if you are eligible, speak to your trusted clinician or pharmacist.
Stay well.
Love,
Those Nerdy Girls
Useful links:
American Medical Association – Vaccine Recommendations
Vaccine Integrity Project – 2026-27 Respiratory Season Evidence Review
JAMA – COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season
National Council on Aging – Which Vaccines Are Covered by Medicare and Medicaid?
