Vaccine news: FDA approves updated COVID vax

Last updated: 9/2/26

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.

Timing for updated vaccines

  • mRNA vaccines: Moderna and Pfizer should start shipping soon
  • Protein-based vaccine: Novavax (Nuvaxovid) says doses are coming, timing will vary by location. Many disabled and chronically ill people prefer Novavax because they experience less side effects.

Who is eligible?

  • FDA approved shots for all people aged 65+ and anyone at “higher risk for severe COVID-19” due to underlying conditions
  • Age limits for “high risk” people under 65:
    • Moderna: Ages 6 months & older
    • Pfizer: Ages 5 years & older
    • Novavax & mNexspike: Ages 12 years & older

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. Need to share evidence-based research about COVID with your doctor? Check out these resources made for doctors, by doctors.

At a pharmacy

  • In 2025, many pharmacies allowed people to “self-attest” that they met the eligibility criteria (without needing medical documentation). Major chains are still making decisions for this year — get the latest updates in this NYT story.
  • 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

Vaccine finders

Novavax
Moderna
Multi: COVID, flu, & more

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 is required to cover the shots, and experts expect Medicaid will also.
  • 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

  • Experts are predicting a smoother rollout than last year, despite some current confusion.
  • Pharmacies expect to have more info & appointment booking online soon.
  • Immunocompromised people who can’t get COVID vaccines may be able to get Pemgarda, a monoclonal antibody treatment that aims to prevent infection.
  • Learn more via this recent coverage: