What You Need to Know About This Year’s COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines this year. These changes affect who should get vaccinated, when, and how. Here’s what patients need to know heading into the fall and winter seasons.

COVID-19 Vaccine: More Targeted Recommendations

In past years, the CDC recommended COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. This year, the guidance is more focused:

• Adults 65 and older

• People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
  

For healthy children, younger adults, and pregnant individuals, the decision to get the COVID-19 vaccine is now based on personalized discussion with a healthcare provider. This approach allows families and individuals to make vaccination choices that reflect their personal health risks and preferences.

Flu Vaccine: Still Recommended for Everyone

Unlike the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine remains recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The updated flu shot for the 2025–2026 season includes protection against three circulating strains of influenza.

Another change: vaccines will now be available in single-dose, preservative-free formulations, making them simpler and safer for children, pregnant individuals, and adults alike.

Why These Updates Matter

• COVID-19 vaccines are now focused on protecting those most at risk of serious illness, while allowing more flexibility for healthy children and adults.

• Flu vaccines remain an important preventive step for everyone, helping reduce the spread of influenza and protecting vulnerable populations.
  

What This Means for You

Here’s a simple plan to guide your vaccine decisions this season:

Vaccine	Who Should Get It	When to Get It
Flu	Everyone 6 months and older	Ideally by October, before flu season begins
COVID-19	Adults 65+, people with health risks or weakened immunity	As advised by your healthcare provider
Special Populations	Children, healthy younger adults, pregnant individuals	Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor

Bottom Line

The message this year is clear: get your flu shot, and if you’re in a high-risk group, make sure you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. For everyone else, the COVID-19 vaccine decision is best made together with your doctor.

Protecting yourself and your community with timely vaccines remains one of the best ways to stay healthy this fall and winter.

Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician to determine what vaccinations are right for you.