The 2025-2026 COVID-19 booster vaccines are currently available or becoming available this fall (August-September 2025) for select groups. Eligibility generally includes adults 65 years and older and people 5 to 64 years old with underlying health conditions putting them at higher risk for severe COVID-19. In some regions such as the UK and Ireland, autumn boosters are offered to older adults (e.g., 75+) and those with weakened immune systems. The vaccines approved include updated formulations by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, targeting the latest circulating variants. Moderna expects availability "in the coming days" in the US, and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are shipping immediately to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics across the country. Emergency use authorizations for younger children have mostly been revoked, limiting availability primarily to older adults and those at risk. Seasonal COVID-19 boosters are recommended to be taken around 6 months after the last dose but can be taken as soon as 3 months for eligible groups.
In summary:
- COVID-19 boosters for the 2025-2026 season are available now or imminently for higher-risk groups.
- Eligibility mostly includes older adults (65+ or 75+ depending on region) and people with underlying conditions.
- The boosters use updated vaccines targeting current variants.
- Timing is usually about 6 months after the last dose but can be sooner for some.
This means individuals who fall into these prioritized categories can get the COVID-19 booster now or very soon in late August to early autumn 2025. Others outside these groups may have limited access depending on local policies.
