As of 2025, COVID-19 vaccines are primarily recommended and authorized for:
- Adults aged 65 years and older.
- Younger individuals (6 months to 64 years) with specific medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19, such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, immunosuppression, and others.
- Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months and older.
- Certain groups like residents in care homes for older adults and people with advanced illnesses or conditions prescribed by a doctor.
Healthy adults under 65 and healthy children without underlying risk factors are generally not recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccines. However, anyone can consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and may get the vaccine after such consultation. This guidance reflects changes made by the FDA and CDC in 2025 to focus vaccination on those most at risk of serious COVID-19 complications.
