The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax for the 2026–27 vaccination season, with the shots targeting the currently circulating XFG variant.
The approvals come as COVID-19 infections are beginning to rise across the country. CDC data show the national test positivity rate approaching 5% in mid-August, with increases reported across every state. The updated vaccines are expected to become available at pharmacies and doctors’ offices beginning in September.
But this year’s rollout looks different. The federal government has moved away from a universal COVID-19 vaccine recommendation, instead advising people ages 6 months and older to consult with a health care provider. The CDC has not yet issued its formal recommendation for the updated vaccines.
A GW public health or infectious disease expert is available to discuss:
- Who should consider getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall
- What the FDA approvals mean for people who are older, pregnant or have underlying health conditions
- How well the updated vaccines are expected to protect against XFG and other circulating variants
- What consumers should know about timing a COVID vaccine alongside flu and other fall vaccinations
- Why COVID-19 cases are increasing as we approach respiratory virus season
- What the change in federal vaccine guidance means for patients and health care providers
- What people should know about vaccine access and insurance coverage this fall
Adriana Glenn is an assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing. She has 30 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner.
Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Jose Lucar is an associate professor of infectious diseases at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.
April Barbour is an internist with the GW Medical Faculty Associates and an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Charles Baron is a primary care provider and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the GW Medical Faculty Associates and GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing and primarily teaches pediatrics and health assessment.
Asefeh Faraz Covelli is an associate professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the GW School of Nursing.
If you would like to speak to Priya Fielding-Singh please reach out to Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-