FDA Clears 2026 Flu, COVID Shots as Pharmacies Begin Fall Rollout
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · Sep 9
FDA Clears 2026 Flu, COVID Shots as Pharmacies Begin Fall Rollout
3 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Sep 9
Summary
Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines have already started reaching pharmacies after FDA approval for the 2026 respiratory virus season.
Major insurers will keep covering the seasonal shots at no cost through at least the end of 2027, helping preserve access despite federal vaccine-policy turmoil.
That rollout is proceeding even though the CDC vaccine advisory committee is effectively sidelined after a judge in March voided changes made by Kennedy-installed members.
State and local health officials still expect a largely normal fall campaign and are focusing on lifting vaccination rates as schools reopen and virus season approaches.