CDC Delays Release of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Report

Staying Current: Understanding the 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

As we move into the 2025-2026 season, staying updated on COVID-19 vaccinations remains a key component of respiratory health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 6 months and older. Rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate, the current approach emphasizes individual-based decision-making, encouraging patients to work with their healthcare providers to determine the best timing and necessity for their specific health profile.

The primary goal of the updated vaccine is to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Because immunity from previous infections and prior vaccinations decreases over time, updated formulas are essential to provide the best protection against currently circulating strains.

Who Should Prioritize the 2025-2026 Vaccine?

While the vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, certain groups face a higher risk of complications and should prioritize their updated dose. These include:

• Adults aged 65 and older: Age-related decline in immune response makes this group more vulnerable.
• High-risk individuals: Those with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
• Long-term care residents: People living in facilities where the virus can spread more easily.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals: This includes those trying to obtain pregnant or who might grow pregnant in the future.
• Unvaccinated individuals: Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals seeking to lower Long COVID risk: Vaccination is a tool to reduce the likelihood of developing long-term symptoms.

Available Vaccine Types and Options

There are currently two primary types of COVID-19 vaccines recommended for use in the United States: mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines. The choice of vaccine often depends on age, health status, and provider availability.

mRNA Vaccines

mRNA vaccines teach the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response.

• Moderna: Offers Spikevax (approved for ages 6 months and older) and mNexspike (approved for ages 12 years and older).
• Pfizer-BioNTech: Offers Comirnaty (approved for ages 5 years and older). There is currently no FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years.

Protein Subunit Vaccines

For those who prefer a non-mRNA option, the protein subunit vaccine is available.

• Novavax: The Nuvaxovid vaccine is approved for individuals aged 12 years and older.

The Importance of Individual-Based Decision-Making

Vaccination schedules for the 2025-2026 period are based on age and immune status. The CDC utilizes a “shared clinical decision-making” model, meaning the decision to vaccinate is a conversation between the patient and their clinician. This is especially important for:

• Moderately to severely immunocompromised people: These individuals may require different dosing schedules to achieve adequate protection.
• Parents of children (6 months to 17 years): Parents are encouraged to discuss the specific benefits and risks for their child with a pediatrician.

Key Takeaways for the 2025-2026 Season

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

Yes. The CDC recommends the 2025-2026 vaccine for people who have had COVID-19, as well as those experiencing long COVID. Immunity following an infection decreases over time, and the updated vaccine provides broader protection against new strains.

Is it safer to get the vaccine or get infected naturally?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more reliable way to build protection than risking the complications associated with getting sick with the virus.

As the virus continues to evolve, staying informed through authoritative sources like the CDC ensures you can make the best health decisions for yourself and your family.