Who Should Get an Updated COVID-19 Shot?
Guidance on COVID-19 vaccination varies by age and risk factors.
People 65 and Older and Those With Certain Medical Conditions
The FDA approved all vaccines for adults 65 and older. Younger people are eligible if they have at least one condition associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19.
“For people at higher risk for developing severe disease, including the elderly, immunocompromised, or those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney problems, I would definitely recommend getting vaccinated,” says Donald Dumford, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Ohio.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many health conditions raise the risk of serious COVID-19 infection, including:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney, liver, and lung diseases
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immunity
- Certain neurological and mental health conditions
- Pregnancy
Healthy or Average Risk Adults Under Age 65
For healthy or average-risk people under 65, the picture is less straightforward. Dr. Dumford recommends discussing vaccination with a healthcare provider who knows your individual health history and risk factors.
The CDC has not yet issued vaccination recommendations for the 2026–2027 season. Its most recent guidance, for 2025–2026, advised vaccination for people ages 6 months and older based on individual decision-making, with the greatest expected benefit among people at increased risk of severe disease.
The American Medical Association has not issued a separate 2026–2027 COVID-19 recommendation, but in July reiterated its support for evidence-based immunizations and maintaining vaccine access.
Children and Pregnant Women
This is the most recent guidance from medical organizations for people in the following groups.
- Children The American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 schedule recommends vaccination for all children ages 6 months through 23 months; risk-based vaccination for children ages 2 through 17; and vaccination for children in that older group whose families want protection.
- Pregnant Women The most recent guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), updated in August 2025, strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and lactation. Vaccination can happen during any trimester.
Do the Updated Shots Match the COVID-19 Variants Circulating Now?
In May, FDA advisers chose the XFG variant as a focus for this year’s vaccines after reviewing which strains were circulating and how well different vaccine candidates were expected to match them.
“I think what is neat about the COVID vaccine and the mRNA vaccine platform is that these have a quick turnaround time for development, so the current, newly approved COVID vaccine is tailored to one of the predominant strains that is circulating right now,” says Dumford.
XFG.1.1, a closely related descendant of XFG, is now the dominant U.S. strain. Another less closely related variant, BA.3.2, represents a smaller share of cases.
With COVID-19 cases currently rising, Dumford says, “It is probably a good idea to get vaccinated soon.” Vaccination now could provide protection during the late-summer wave and as the winter respiratory virus season approaches, he adds.
Will Insurance Cover COVID-19 Shots This Year?
“Although there is less clarity on timing than we have had in the past and lingering questions about whether all who want the updated vaccines can get them and at what cost, I am hopeful the large pharmacy chains and insurers will do the right thing,” says Dr. Wohl.
So far, there are encouraging signs for people with insurance. Medicare is expected to cover the shots. AHIP, whose members include many major private insurers, has said its plans will continue paying for COVID-19 vaccines, and UnitedHealthcare has made a similar commitment. Employer-sponsored plans can have different rules, however, so coverage isn’t guaranteed in every case.
There is more uncertainty for people seeking vaccination outside the FDA-approved groups and for children who rely on the federal Vaccines for Children program. Check with your pharmacy or insurer before you try to get vaccinated to clarify eligibility, coverage, and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
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