The FDA has approved updated Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech for the 2026-27 season.
Key facts
- •The FDA approved updated vaccines from Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech on Thursday.
- •The new shots are specifically designed to target the dominant XFG variant of Covid-19.
- •Vaccine eligibility for younger people with underlying conditions varies by manufacturer, starting at six months for Moderna.
- •The CDC advisory panel remains inactive following a March court ruling regarding the appointment of its members.
- •Current CDC data indicates that Covid-19 activity levels are low but have been rising in recent weeks.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved updated Covid-19 vaccines on Thursday, authorizing manufacturers to begin distributing doses to healthcare providers nationwide. The approval follows a recommendation from an advisory panel to target the dominant XFG variant. Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech are the manufacturers behind the updated shots.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
The vaccines are approved for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger people with underlying health conditions. Age eligibility for those with underlying conditions varies by manufacturer: the Moderna vaccine is cleared for children older than six months, the Pfizer-BioNTech shot for those aged five and older, and the Novavax-Sanofi vaccine for individuals aged 12 and up.
Regulatory and Insurance Uncertainty
The rollout faces potential complications due to the status of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel, which has been in limbo since a March ruling blocked the appointment of new vaccine advisors. Because insurers typically require a panel recommendation to mandate coverage, it remains unclear if the updated shots will be covered. Additionally, the administration has not yet issued specific recommendations for the 2026-27 season.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
