Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for 2026-2027: What to Know About the New Shots

As the United States approaches the fall and winter respiratory virus season, updated COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available for the 2026-2027 season. The latest formulations have been designed to provide protection against a newer strain of the coronavirus that is currently circulating in the country.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, along with a protein-based vaccine from Sanofi. The updated formulations are intended to improve protection against the strains expected to circulate during the upcoming season.

While COVID-19 is no longer at the same stage of the global pandemic seen several years ago, the virus continues to evolve. Health experts say vaccination remains particularly important for people who face a greater risk of developing serious illness.

Which COVID-19 variant does the new vaccine target?

The updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to target XFG, a recombinant omicron variant.

A recombinant variant develops when genetic material from different virus variants combines. According to data cited by ABC News from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), XFG represented approximately 40% of U.S. cases in July.

COVID-19 variants can change over time, which is one reason vaccine formulations are periodically updated.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explained that updating COVID-19 vaccines is similar in principle to updating seasonal influenza vaccines. The goal is to make the vaccine as closely matched as possible to the strains expected to be circulating.

However, a vaccine does not need to be a perfect match to provide useful protection. Vaccination is particularly valuable for reducing the likelihood of severe disease, hospitalization and other serious complications.

Who can receive the updated vaccines?

Eligibility depends on the vaccine manufacturer, age and whether a person has an underlying medical condition.

Moderna's updated vaccine has been approved for people from 6 months through 64 years of age who have an underlying condition that increases their risk from COVID-19. It is also approved for adults 65 and older.

Pfizer's updated vaccine is approved for people ages 5 through 64 who have an underlying condition that increases their risk of serious COVID-19. It is also approved for adults aged 65 and above.

Underlying health conditions associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 can include conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma and cancer. Pregnancy and certain other medical circumstances may also increase the risk of complications.

Because recommendations and eligibility can change, people should check current guidance from the CDC, FDA and their healthcare provider before deciding which vaccine is appropriate for them.

Why are updated COVID vaccines still important?

COVID-19 immunity can decrease over time. Protection may also change as the virus evolves.

Previous vaccination or infection can provide some level of immunity, but neither guarantees permanent protection against future infection or severe disease.

Health specialists emphasize that one of the major benefits of COVID-19 vaccination is reducing the risk of serious outcomes.

Older adults and people with certain health conditions are more likely to experience complications from COVID-19. Vaccination can help lower the risk of hospitalization and death, making it especially relevant for people in higher-risk groups.

Experts highlighted several populations that deserve particular attention, including adults aged 65 and older, people who are significantly immunocompromised, pregnant individuals and very young children.

Children between 6 months and 23 months may be especially vulnerable because of their young age and developing immune systems.

Can you get a COVID vaccine and flu shot together?

For people who are eligible, health experts say COVID-19 vaccination can be administered during the same visit as a flu vaccine. Eligible individuals may also be able to receive an RSV vaccine at the same time.

Getting multiple vaccines during one appointment can make it easier for people to stay up to date.

Some people prefer to receive vaccines on separate days because of concerns about temporary side effects or simply personal preference. However, delaying a recommended vaccine can sometimes mean that someone never gets around to receiving it.

People who are uncertain about receiving multiple vaccines at once can discuss their options with a healthcare professional.

Where will the vaccines be available?

The updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to become available through pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare locations across the United States.

Availability can vary depending on location, age and eligibility. Individuals should check with their local pharmacy, healthcare provider or public health department for information about appointments and vaccine supply.

Parents and caregivers should also confirm which formulation is appropriate for children before scheduling vaccination.

Will the updated COVID vaccine be free?

The cost of COVID-19 vaccination may depend on insurance coverage, eligibility and where the vaccine is administered.

The federal Bridge Access Program, which previously helped provide free COVID-19 vaccines to some uninsured adults and adults whose insurance did not fully cover vaccination costs, ended in August 2024.

Coverage for uninsured people during the 2026-2027 season may therefore vary by state, local health department and other programs.

Many people with insurance may be able to receive recommended vaccines without paying an out-of-pocket cost, including people covered by Medicare or Medicaid, although coverage rules can depend on current recommendations and individual circumstances.

Because insurance policies can differ, people should check their plan or vaccination provider before their appointment if they are concerned about cost.

What should you do before getting vaccinated?

If you are considering an updated COVID-19 vaccine, start by checking whether you are currently eligible under the latest recommendations.

You may also want to ask your healthcare provider about the timing of vaccination, particularly if you recently had COVID-19, recently received another vaccine or have a condition that affects your immune system.

For people at higher risk of severe disease, staying current with recommended vaccination may be especially important as the fall and winter respiratory virus season approaches.

COVID-19 has changed considerably since the beginning of the pandemic, but it has not disappeared. The continued emergence of new variants means vaccination strategies will likely continue to evolve.

The updated 2026-2027 vaccines are intended to provide protection against a currently circulating strain while continuing the broader goal of reducing severe illness.

For individuals who are older, immunocompromised, pregnant or very young, discussing vaccination with a qualified healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate approach.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), COVID-19 vaccine information and regulatory announcements.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 clinical guidance and information about underlying medical conditions.
• ABC News, "FDA approves updated COVID vaccines. Here's what you need to know," August 28, 2026.
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center, infectious disease and preventive medicine expertise cited in the original reporting.
• University of California, San Francisco, infectious disease expertise cited in the original reporting.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Vaccine eligibility, recommendations, availability and insurance coverage can change. The information presented here is based partly on reporting and public information available at the time of writing. Always consult the FDA, CDC, your healthcare provider or another qualified medical professional for the most current guidance and for advice based on your individual circumstances.