The new COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season have recently been approved and are expected to be available within days to early fall 2025 in the United States. Updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are shipping immediately and will be accessible at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics soon. Novavax's protein-based vaccine is expected to be available in early fall 2025. These vaccines target the latest circulating variants and are approved primarily for seniors and individuals at higher risk due to underlying health conditions. They will be offered to those aged 65 and older or aged 5 through 64 with risk factors, with more limited use for younger healthy individuals due to new FDA restrictions.
Availability Timing and Distribution
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are shipping immediately as of late August 2025 and will be available in the coming days.
- Novavax vaccine availability is anticipated early fall 2025.
- Distribution will be through pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics nationwide.
Vaccine Eligibility and Restrictions
- Vaccines primarily recommended for people aged 65+ and those 5-64 with underlying health risks.
- FDA has placed new limits restricting vaccines from routine use in healthy younger children and adults.
- These measures aim to balance public access and focus on high-risk populations.
Vaccine Composition
- These updated vaccines target the LP.8.1 sublineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, an emerging variant.
- Novavax offers a protein-based, non-mRNA alternative vaccine.
Thus, the new COVID vaccines for fall 2025 are currently becoming available, with immediate distribution for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and early fall availability for Novavax's formula, primarily for high-risk groups and seniors.
