Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know for 2026

As of March 10, 2026, updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to protect against current variants. Vaccination recommendations are tailored to individual age and immune status, emphasizing shared clinical decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines.

Types of COVID-19 Vaccines Available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two primary types of COVID-19 vaccines for utilize in the United States:

• mRNA Vaccines: Moderna (Spikevax, for ages 6 months and older; mNexspike, for ages 12 years and older) and Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, for ages 5 years and older). Learn more about mRNA vaccines from the CDC. Note that there is currently no FDA-approved or authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 months–4 years.
• Protein Subunit Vaccine: Novavax (Nuvaxovid, approved for ages 12 years and older).

Who Should Gain Vaccinated?

Vaccination decisions are now based on individual risk and benefit. The CDC recommends the 2025/26 COVID-19 vaccine for:

• Adults 65 and older: Vaccination is individually based, with healthcare providers and patients making decisions together.
• Individuals 6 months to 64 years at increased risk: Vaccination is particularly beneficial for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

Where to Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at convenient locations:

• CVS Pharmacy: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax vaccines are available.
• Walgreens: Offers COVID-19 vaccinations online.
• MinuteClinic locations
• Your local healthcare provider

Can I Get Other Vaccines at the Same Time?

Yes! Getting multiple vaccines during the same appointment, including the COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu shot, shingles vaccine, or RSV vaccine, is safe and recommended by the CDC to maximize protection.

Staying Informed

The COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and vaccines are updated periodically to maintain effectiveness. For the latest information and recommendations, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine information website.