Understanding Vaccine Access in 2025: What Patients Need to Know About COVID-19 and Flu Shots
As the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season approaches, many patients are encountering confusion about access to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Recent federal policy changes, shifts in pharmacy practices, and ongoing vaccine development have led to considerable lack of clarity. More information is expected in the coming weeks, particularly after key federal advisory meetings. This blog post explains the current situation, highlights the role of shared decision-making with healthcare providers, and offers steps to help you stay protected.
What’s Changed with COVID-19 Vaccines?
On August 27, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rescinded Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 vaccines, a decision made under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This change has affected vaccine availability:
- Limited Access for High-Risk Groups: The FDA now permits Moderna (ages 6 months+), Pfizer (ages 5+), and Novavax (ages 12+) COVID-19 vaccines primarily for high-risk groups, such as individuals 65 and older or those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or cancer. If you’re not in these groups, you may need a prescription to get vaccinated, depending on your state and pharmacy policies.
- No Walk-In Shots: Unlike previous seasons, walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer universally available. Some pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, have paused offering these vaccines in certain states or require prescriptions for non-high-risk individuals.
- Insurance Uncertainty: It’s unclear whether insurance will cover COVID-19 vaccines for those outside high-risk groups, which could impact costs if a prescription is required.
The White House has stated that rumors of a complete vaccine ban are not accurate, but the current policy has created uncertainty. More clarity is expected in the coming weeks, particularly after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets on October 22-23, 2025, to provide updated recommendations.
Why Are Pharmacies Hesitant to Offer Vaccines?
Some pharmacies are not scheduling COVID-19 or flu vaccine appointments as early as usual (typically August for flu shots). Several factors contribute to this hesitancy:
- State Regulations: In 19 states—Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia—pharmacists must follow ACIP recommendations to administer vaccines. For COVID-19 vaccines, the ACIP has not yet issued guidance for the 2025-2026 season, leading some pharmacies to require prescriptions or pause vaccinations to comply with state laws.
- Evolving Federal Guidance: Recent changes, including updates to the ACIP membership and shifts in federal vaccine policy, have created uncertainty about future recommendations. Pharmacies may delay ordering vaccine stock until clearer guidance is available.
- Logistical Considerations: The CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which covered costs for uninsured patients, ended in August 2024. Pharmacies may be cautious about stocking vaccines that could go unused if insurance coverage is limited or demand decreases due to new requirements.
What About Flu Vaccines?
The CDC has finalized its influenza vaccine guidelines for the 2025-2026 season, released on June 22, 2025, providing clearer guidance than for COVID-19 vaccines:
- Who Should Get It: The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, ideally in September or October, to protect against three flu strains (H1N1, H3N2, B/Victoria). High-risk groups, such as those 65+, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, are particularly encouraged to vaccinate.
- Vaccine Types: Most flu vaccines are thimerosal-free, and adults 65+ may receive high-dose or adjuvanted versions for enhanced protection. FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, may soon be available for self-administration (ages 2–49), but it’s currently administered by healthcare providers.
- Availability: Pharmacies should have flu vaccines available, with manufacturers shipping 154 million doses since July 2025. In the 19 states with ACIP requirements, flu shots should be widely accessible since CDC guidelines are finalized, though some pharmacies may remain cautious due to broader policy uncertainty.
Is Novavax Delaying Its Vaccines?
We have spent some time discussing Novavax in the past, and recently there have been questions about whether Novavax, a company developing a COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) and a stand-alone influenza vaccine, is delaying shipments in response the governmental factors. Here’s the current situation:
- Novavax’s Status: Novavax’s flu vaccine and its COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) vaccine are in Phase 3 clinical trials and not yet FDA-approved for public use. June 2025 trial results showed promising immune responses, but these vaccines are not yet available at pharmacies.
- No Confirmed Delays: Novavax has not publicly confirmed delays in shipping its flu vaccine. However, a prior FDA clinical hold (lifted in November 2024) and recent changes to COVID-19 vaccine policies may contribute to perceptions of delays, particularly for Novavax’s approved COVID-19 vaccine. Pharmacies may be hesitant to stock Novavax products due to regulatory uncertainty.
- What It Means: Until Novavax’s flu vaccine is approved (potentially by mid-2026), pharmacies will offer other brands like Fluzone, Fluarix, or FluMist. More information on Novavax’s timeline is expected in the coming weeks as clinical trials progress.
Shared Decision-Making: Your Role in Vaccine Choices
With the current lack of clarity, shared decision-making with your healthcare provider is essential. Work together to assess your health status, risk factors, and vaccine preferences to make informed choices. For example:
- If you’re high-risk (65+ or with chronic conditions), you’re likely eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription, but confirm with your provider.
- If you’re not high-risk, discuss with your doctor whether a COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate and if a prescription may be needed.
- For flu vaccines, talk about which option (e.g., high-dose for 65+, FluMist for younger individuals) best suits you or your family.
Your provider can also help clarify insurance coverage and local pharmacy policies, ensuring decisions align with your needs.
What Can You Do to Get Vaccinated?
Navigating vaccine access Karin Borchert System: access this season requires proactive steps. Here’s how to stay protected:
- Check Flu Vaccine Availability: Most pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) and clinics offer flu shots now. Use vaccines.gov or contact your local pharmacy to confirm availability. Flu shots should be accessible, even in the 19 states with ACIP requirements, since CDC guidelines are finalized.
- Ask About COVID-19 Vaccines: If you’re high-risk, you can likely get a COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription. For others, a prescription may be needed—check with your pharmacy, as policies vary by state (e.g., paused in Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico; prescriptions required in Florida, New York).
- Engage in Shared Decision-Making: Consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of vaccination based on your health.
- Monitor Insurance: Flu shots are typically covered as preventive care, but confirm with your insurance provider about COVID-19 vaccine coverage, especially if a prescription is required.
- Stay Updated: Visit the CDC website or your state health department for updates. The ACIP’s October 2025 meeting may provide clearer COVID-19 vaccine guidance.
Looking Ahead
The 2025-2026 season is marked by significant uncertainty, but flu vaccines are widely available, and COVID-19 vaccines remain accessible for high-risk groups. The lack of clear guidance, particularly for COVID-19 vaccines, has led to cautious pharmacy practices, and Novavax’s flu vaccine is not yet available. By engaging in shared decision-making with your healthcare provider and staying informed, you can navigate these challenges. We expect more clarity in the coming weeks as federal meetings provide updated recommendations. If you have questions or need help finding a vaccine, contact your pharmacy or doctor, or leave a comment below—we’re here to help!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025-26 Influenza Season. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/rr/rr7403a1.htm
- Novavax. (2025). Novavax Provides Update on Phase 3 COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Stand-alone Influenza Vaccine Clinical Trial. https://ir.novavax.com/#quarterly-reports
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025). FDA Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/coronavirus-covid-19-cber-regulated-biologics
- Vaccines.gov. Find Vaccines Near You. https://www.vaccines.gov/