The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccination for all adults aged 18 years and older, regardless of previous vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection, under updated guidance that also establishes different recommendations for children based on immune status.
In guidance updated October 8, the CDC emphasized vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older, individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19, individuals living in long-term care facilities, and those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. The recommendations also include individuals with a history of long COVID.
For children aged 6 months through 17 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends vaccination. For other children in this age group, vaccination is recommended through shared clinical decision-making rather than a universal recommendation.
The guidance also addresses vaccination following recent infection. Patients who have had COVID-19 may delay vaccination for 3 months after symptom onset or, if asymptomatic, after a positive test. The CDC noted that the risk of reinfection is lower during the weeks to months following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Earlier vaccination may be appropriate depending on a patient's risk of severe illness, the risk of severe disease among household members or other close contacts, and local COVID-19 activity.
The CDC listed 4 updated vaccine products for the 2026–2027 season, with eligibility varying by age. Moderna's Spikevax is available for individuals aged 6 months and older, while Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty is available beginning at age 5 years. Moderna's mNexspike and Novavax's Nuvaxovid are available for individuals aged 12 years and older.
The agency stated that no vaccine is preferred over another when multiple products are recommended for a patient's age group. The CDC also noted that distinct guidance and schedules apply to individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, directing readers to specialized guidelines.
According to the CDC, updated vaccines are intended to improve protection against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains as vaccine-derived and infection-acquired immunity decline over time. The agency continues to identify prevention of severe illness, hospitalization, and death as principal benefits of vaccination.
The CDC also identified reducing the risk of long COVID as a consideration for vaccination, particularly among individuals seeking to lower their risk of prolonged complications following infection.
The guidance was issued by the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division.
Source: CDC
