August 22, 2025
Public health practitioners know that cooler weather brings a rise in respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza, and COVID-19. To ensure that the public has access to protection against the latest strains, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follow a year-round process to develop and define eligibility for vaccines. Manufacturers and insurers follow this process closely in order to scale production and confirm coverage for patients.
The process for this year was interrupted by political changes, including an overhaul of the federal vaccine advisory committee known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and ideological rhetoric from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Amidst the changes it is important for health and human service workers to know the latest updates, particularly for the COVID-19 vaccine:
- Influenza (flu): The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old, and individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated before the end of October. Certain vulnerable populations are encouraged to get a stronger version. New this year, some individuals will have access to an at-home nasal spray vaccine.
- RSV: Vaccines for babies and older adults to protect against RSV became available last season. The CDC is studying how long protection lasts; the current understanding is that a single dose is sufficient for older adults. This chart from the CDC can help older adults, caregivers of infants, and pregnant people understand the appropriate timing to get vaccinated.
- COVID-19: Final FDA approval of the updated vaccine is anticipated within the next few weeks. This step is taking longer than usual, but as of this writing, is still within the timeframe of vaccine approvals in the past. Manufacturers have likely already produced components of the vaccines, and are waiting on FDA approval of the contents of the vaccine (the "new labeling"). Public health practitioners are waiting to see which populations the updated COVID-19 vaccine will be recommended for, which affects insurance coverage and ultimately vaccine uptake.
- Typically once the updated formula is developed early in the year, ACIP recommends which populations should receive the vaccine, the CDC director approves the recommendations, insurers confirm coverage for their populations, and the FDA can give its final approval. ACIP chose not to vote on recommendations related to the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this summer, creating a vacuum of leadership on this issue. Over the summer various professional and trade entities came out with statements indicating their support of vaccines and insurance coverage but the outcome of FDA's decision is not definitive.
Public health practitioners will be very attentive to these developments over the coming weeks, as the FDA's decision affects availability and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals can speak with their medical provider, pharmacist, or local health department to learn how to access seasonal vaccines.