2026 Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
Do you have questions about what to expect during this year’s vaccines? As your partner in health, we’re answering your commonly asked questions about flu and COVID-19 virulence and how you can best protect yourself and others.
Who should get the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine?
On 08/27/2026 the FDA approved the use of the updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. Although the CDC has not issued a formal recommendation, most insurance plans remain committed to covering all costs for the updated COVID-19 vaccines through the end of 2027.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations this fall for all children ages 6-23 months and pregnant individuals.
| 65 years and older | 5-64 years old | Under 5 years old | |
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What is the new mRNA influenza vaccine? Who is eligible to get it?
On 08/05/2026 the FDA approved the first ever mRNA influenza vaccine. As with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the mRNA influenza vaccine injects messenger (“m”) RNA created in the lab, which then instructs a person’s own cells to make a small piece of protein from the virus. The body recognizes that protein as a “foreign” virus and produces antibodies to protect against the real influenza virus.
The FDA has provided full approval for use in adults 50-64 years of age. Expedited approval has been provided for use in adults 65 years and older, which means that the vaccine is approved but that further studies will be ongoing. The mRNA influenza vaccine is expected to be available for this upcoming 2026-2027 respiratory season.
The clinical trial found the mRNA flu vaccine was ~27% more effective than the standard vaccine in preventing symptoms in adults 50 years and older. Those who received the mRNA influenza vaccine were more likely to experience mild side effects compared to the standard-dose vaccine. The most common side effects were injection-site pain, fatigue, and headache, which typically resolved within a day or two and can also occur with standard-dose influenza vaccines.
Insurance coverage has not yet been confirmed. Once the mRNA influenza vaccine becomes available, more information on coverage and cost will be available. For specific details, contact your insurance plan to learn more about your benefits.
Are the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines safe? What are the side effects?
There is vast experience with both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. The potential benefits including reducing the risk of infection, severe illness and even death, outweigh any potential harms. You cannot get the actual illness from the COVID-19 or influenza vaccines.
Potential mild side effects may include sore arm and a low-grade fever, but these usually go away in 1-2 days. Severe adverse reactions to both vaccines are extremely rare. While some people have developed heart problems after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, including myocarditis or pericarditis, the risk is extremely low. There is no risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis after an influenza vaccine.
Where can I get these vaccines?
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at many major retail pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens, and they are full covered by insurance plans.
If you are interested in exploring resources for vaccination, we recommend checking availability and finding additional information at vaccinefinder.org.
When can I get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines?
It is recommended to get the flu vaccine in September or October to be protected for the fall respiratory season. However, people should get a vaccine whenever they can even if it is later in the season. In general, COVID-19 vaccines are typically recommend in the fall, September or October, before the respiratory virus season begins. However, they can still be given later in the fall and winter.
Flu vaccines are currently available at doctors’ offices and major retail pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS.
Can I get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time?
Yes, you can get your COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time. However, you may want to get the shots in different arms.
The CDC, other scientists, and regulatory agencies around the world have reviewed the available data and concluded it is safe to receive both vaccines, which does not affect the efficacy of the shots. Some people may want to get them on different days to minimize any temporary side effects (e.g., soreness, low-grade fever, fatigue).
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be covered by insurance?
On 08/27/2026 the FDA approved the use of the updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine. Although the CDC has not issued a formal recommendation, most insurance plans remain committed to cover all costs for the updated COVID-19 vaccines through the end of 2027. To confirm your insurance plan will be covering the updated COVID-19 vaccine you can contact your insurance plan to learn more about your benefits.
When can I get the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine if I had COVID-19 this summer?
If you recently had COVID-19 and you are advised to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait 4-6 months before getting a vaccine, to optimize its effectiveness.
Recent infection from COVID-19 provides protection against COVID-19 but protection will decrease over time.
What is the difference between an mRNA (Moderna/Pfizer) and protein subunit based (Novavax) vaccine?
An mRNA vaccine contains messenger (“m”) RNA created in the lab, which prompts the body’s own cells to make a spike protein that is found on COVID-19 cells. These spike proteins do not cause actual infection, but trigger an immune response to create antibodies, which provide protection against infection.
A protein subunit-based vaccine contains pieces of spike protein found on COVID-19 cells. These spike proteins trigger an immune response to create antibodies.
The COVID-19 vaccines do not use any live virus and cannot cause COVID-19 infection.
If I’m eligible for a vaccine, which updated COVID-19 vaccine should I get?
We recommend getting whichever vaccine is available. Beyond the difference in age criteria and composition, there are no practical differences in effectiveness or safety between the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. The updated mRNA and protein-based vaccines will target JN.1-lineage XFG variant, to more closely match circulating variants.
If you are currently eligible and have questions about which vaccine you should receive, we recommend speaking to your healthcare clinician for more information.
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What are my options? |
Am I eligible? |
Is it effective? |
When should I get it? |
Is it safe? |
Influenza |
Standard vaccine dose that targets three strains of seasonal flu | Everyone 6 months and older | Typically reduces risk of illness by 40-60% | October | All immunization products have gone through rigorous safety testing before they are approved for use.
Regulators also continue strict safety monitoring on approved products. |
| mRNA vaccines that targets three strains of seasonal flu | Full approval in adults 50-64 y.o. and expedited approval for adults 65+ y.o. | ~27% more effective than standard dose | |||
COVID-19 |
Updated Pfizer / Moderna / Novavax vaccines (JN.1-lineage (XFG) vaccines) | Everyone 6 months and older are eligible to receive the updated vaccine after consulting with a health care provider, such as a pharmacist or physician. | Last year, the fall COVID-19 vaccine provided 30-46% additional effectiveness against severe illness.
Updated vaccines elicit stronger immune responses against newer strains. |
If you want to prevent severe disease, get it anytime. If you want to protect against infection, get it right before a COVID-19 wave (timing is hard). Wait 4-6 months after a COVID-19 infection. |
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RSV (Adults) |
GSK / Moderna / Pfizer |
Everyone 75 years and older Adults ages 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV disease |
During the 2023-2024 RSV season, the RSV vaccines were 70-80% effective against hospitalizations in the first 4 months and 50-70% over 12 months. |
Any time of year, but most benefit in late summer or early fall. |
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RSV (Pregnancy) |
Pfizer |
Pregnant people (to protect baby in the first 6 months of life) |
82% efficacy against hospitalization in first 3 months of life; 69% after 6 months |
At 32-36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January |