A New COVID Vaccine Is Here (Without Much Fanfare). When Should You Get It?

Key Points:

• The FDA has approved the updated 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine, but the CDC has not issued formal guidance on who should receive it this year, leaving states like California to set their own recommendations.
• California’s Department of Public Health strongly recommends the vaccine for people 65 and older, those with risk factors, pregnant individuals, young children, and healthcare workers, while also allowing anyone wishing to reduce their risk of severe illness to get vaccinated.
• The new vaccine targets the XFG strain, currently the dominant COVID-19 variant, and is available now at pharmacies, with wider distribution to clinics and health systems expected soon.
• California has overridden federal restrictions on vaccine eligibility, expanding access beyond FDA limits through a new West Coast Health Alliance and state laws enabling independent vaccine recommendations.
• Due to changes in CDC leadership and legal challenges, the agency has not released COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for 2026-27, but California assures that vaccines recommended by the state will be covered by health insurance.