What’s Changing for Respiratory Vaccines—and What Does It Mean for Access?
Last Updated09/16/2026
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and leading medical societies released new recommendations for respiratory vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Given these developments, consumers may have questions regarding insurance coverage, which vaccines are recommended for them, where to access vaccines, and what barriers they may encounter.
CVEEP hosted a webinar on what to know about the current status of respiratory vaccines and availability across the country. Experts in vaccine policy, health insurance, and pharmacy access discussed the latest recommendations for respiratory vaccines and what consumers need to know.
Panelists included:
Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Chris Regal, MS, Director of Clinical Innovation, AHIP
Content on this page is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
COVID-19 continues to pose a serious health threat, especially for older adults who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 and be hospitalized. The good news is adults 65 years of age and older can reduce their risk of severe illness by receiving recommended vaccinations, including another dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.
What to Know About Recommendations and Coverage for Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Children (Ages 6 Months–4 Years)
Content on this page is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
The latest COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Children in this age group may need multiple doses of the vaccine to be considered “up to date.”
Last Updated08/14/2026
What to Know About Recommendations and Coverage for Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Children (Ages 6 Months–4 Years)
*NOTE: COVID-19 and RSV vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This resource will be updated to reflect the CDC’s latest guidance. Because CDC recommendations may impact insurance coverage, you should check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered.
COVID-19 | Childhood | Guidance | Vaccines
What to Know About Recommendations and Coverage for Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Children, Teens, and Adults (Ages 5–64)
Content on this page is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
The latest COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people ages 5–64 years.
Last Updated08/14/2026
What to Know About Recommendations and Coverage for Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Children, Teens, and Adults (Ages 5–64)
*NOTE: COVID-19 and RSV vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This resource will be updated to reflect the CDC’s latest guidance. Because CDC recommendations may impact insurance coverage, you should check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered.
COVID-19 | Treatments | Vaccines
5 Things You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments
Content on this page is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
Vaccines have helped protect millions of people from severe illness and death from COVID-19, but the virus and new variants remain a threat and still pose risks. Getting the latest vaccine is still the best way to avoid the worst outcomes of COVID-19.
Last Updated08/14/2026
5 Things You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments
*NOTE: COVID-19 and RSV vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This resource will be updated to reflect the CDC’s latest guidance. Because CDC recommendations may impact insurance coverage, you should check with your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered.
Nandini Selvam, Vice President and General Manager of IQVIA, discusses why individuals underestimate the real risks of respiratory diseases and how vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness.
Don’t Guess the Virus: Why Early Testing and Treatment Matters
Flu, COVID-19, RSV and other respiratory illnesses often begin with similar symptoms. Knowing the differences, getting tested, and starting treatment early can help prevent what may seem like a mild illness from becoming more serious.
Last Updated04/08/2026
Don’t Guess the Virus: Why Early Testing and Treatment Matters
The Risks are Real: Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP
Dr. Barbara Resnick, geriatric nurse practitioner and recognized leader in the field, reflects on the severe impacts of respiratory illness on her higher-risk patients.
Last Updated02/23/2026
Vaccines | COVID-19
Explainer Video: The Science of How mRNA Vaccines Work
Last Updated02/20/2026
Treatments | COVID-19 | Flu
Leveraging Antivirals Against Rising Rates of Flu and COVID-19
Last Updated02/13/2026
As communities navigate the winter respiratory virus season, state and local health leaders are updating response plans to protect older adults, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and underserved populations. With vaccination rates declining and continued confusion about changing government guidance, the timely use of COVID-19 and influenza antivirals remains a critical, yet often underused, tool to reduce severe illness, preserve hospital capacity, and limit outbreaks.
CVEEP convened a webinar featuring a panel of clinical, public health, and community experts for a discussion of the latest guidance, any anticipated rise in COVID-19 infections, and how linking antiviral use to overall outbreak response plans can strengthen community preparedness. Participants gained practical insights to support testing-to-treatment pathways, align provider and pharmacy coordination, and promote access to care this respiratory season.
Panelists included:
Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
Dr. Emily Kryger, Owner, PharmRecs, LLC & Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist
Lynn Albizo, Chief Public Policy Officer, Immune Deficiency Foundation (moderator)
Content on this site is being updated to reflect the FDA’s August 27 approval of the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Please check back soon.
