Vaccine news: FDA approves updated COVID vax

Last updated: 9/21/26

THIS PAGE IS BEING UPDATED ON 9/25 DUE TO CHANGES TO CDC GUIDANCE – STAY TUNED!

Graphic image with black and pastel gradient background. There is a screencap of a NYT article headline with black text on a white background. Text says: “FDA Approves New Covid Vaccines, and They Should Be Available Soon. The shots have been approved for people 65 and older, and for younger people with underlying conditions. Others may be able to get them off label.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Novavax-Sanofi, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna’s updated COVID vaccines. 

Here’s a quick summary of what we know now, and we’ll share more updates as the situation changes.

Vaccine details

  • Strains targeted: The updated vaccines target related subvarients
  • Novavax
    • AKA: Nuvaxovid, Sanofi-Pasteur
    • Protein-based vaccine. Many disabled and chronically ill people prefer Novavax because they experience less side effects vs the mRNA shots (Moderna / Pfizer), but it’s less widely available.
    • 12 years & older if “high risk”, Anyone 65+
    • Strain targeted: JN.1 
  • Moderna
    • mRNA vaccine
    • Spikevax: Ages: 6 months & older if “high risk”, Anyone 65+
    • mNexspike: A lower-dose shot for ages 12 & older
    • Strain targeted: XFG subvarient of JN.1
  • Pfizer
    • mRNA vaccine
    • Ages: 5 years & older if “high risk”, Anyone 65+
    • Strain targeted: LP.8.1

Who is eligible?

Who is considered “high risk”?

  • The CDC’s list of higher risk conditions has not been updated since 2025
  • The current list includes: cancer, HIV, diabetes, disabilities, mental health conditions, physical inactivity, current or former smoker, substance use disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, & much more.
  • Everyone should have access to this vaccine without restriction! And, the fact that this list exists but does not include Long COVID as an underlying “higher risk condition” is just another sign of COVID denialism.
  • 30-60% of Americans have at least one qualifying condition, according to the FDA.

Where are vaccines available?

Availability varies by location:

Via your doctor

  • Doctors can give vaccines “off-label” even if you don’t have a condition on the list.

At a pharmacy

  • Like last year, many pharmacies will allow people to “self-attest” that they met the eligibility criteria (without needing medical documentation).
  • Here’s what’s been reported so far for 2026:
    • Walgreens: Will allow people to self-attest that they met the eligibility criteria, without requiring documentation.
    • CVS: Requires prescriptions only in Louisiana.
    • Walmart: Will require prescriptions “in some states” but didn’t specify which ones.
  • Last year, some states blocked pharmacists from giving vaccines that the CDC did not recommend. The CDC’s vaccine panel has not yet made recommendations this year, because it’s temporarily suspended (due to court rulings against membership changes made by RFK Jr.)

Local clinic or health department

Crowdsourced tips for vaccine access

  • Double check the results of the vax finder sites with your chosen pharmacy.
  • We’re hearing that some pharmacists and technicians are not fully informed about COVID vaccine access. Consider bringing a printout of the CDC’s list underlying “high risk” conditions, or have it pulled up on your phone. Be ready to reference your pharmacy’s policies on COVID vaccines, especially if you’re “self-attesting” to having a condition on the list.
  • Novavax tips:
    • Some pharmacies offer Novavax, even if it’s not listed on their online appointment system. Others do not have it even though it shows on one of the vaccine finder sites! You might need to call to verify this.
    • Some locations are running out and sometimes, but not always, restocking. Some pharmacists have suggested making an appointment ahead of time so that they will hold your dose or know they need to order more.
    • Some pharmacies list Novavax’s vaccine as Nuvaxovid or Sanofi-Pasteur in their appointment symptoms.
    • Make sure to confirm you’re getting Novavax when you arrive at your appointment. We’ve heard reports of people registering for a Novavax shot and arriving to find that the pharmacy has defaulted to Moderna or Pfizer.

Vaccine finders

Novavax
Moderna
Multi: COVID, flu, & more
  • Always call to verify that the vaccine you want is in stock, especially for Novavax, since it tends to run out more quickly.

Vaccine costs & coverage

  • Most coverage is guided by the CDC’s recommendation list—but since the CDC has not made any recommendations, private insurance companies are not required to cover the shots.
  • However, most major insurers say they will cover the shots. But, coverage may vary if you have an employer-sponsored plan.
  • Medicare and Medicaid should cover the shots, though we’ve heard reports of some issues with Medicaid at certain pharmacies.
  • About 50% of kids get free vaccinations through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program, which is now in limbo due to the lack of official CDC recommendations.
  • If you’re uninsured, sites like GoodRx have coupons for small discounts on COVID vaccines.

Additional info