Updated Vaccines for the 2025-2026 Season
Staying up-to-date with immunizations is a crucial part of healthy aging. For the 2025-2026 respiratory season, older adults have new options and updated recommendations for protecting themselves against severe illness from COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease. These new vaccines are designed to offer better protection against the most current circulating viral strains and to simplify vaccination schedules.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for 2025-2026
For the 2025-2026 season, COVID-19 vaccines have been updated to target the LP.8.1 and KP.2 strains of the virus to provide enhanced protection. Three primary updated vaccine options are available for older adults.
- Moderna (Spikevax / mNEXSPIKE): The 2025-2026 formula is approved for individuals 65 and older. A next-generation mRNA vaccine, mNEXSPIKE, is also expected to be available for the 2025-2026 season for eligible adults.
- Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty): An updated 2025-2026 formulation is approved for adults 65 and older.
- Novavax: This updated protein-based vaccine was also approved for older adults.
Special consideration for older adults: The CDC now recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 65 and older, ideally 6 months after the first dose. This reflects the increased risk of severe disease and waning vaccine effectiveness over time in this population. This policy will likely extend to the 2025-2026 vaccine season as well.
RSV Vaccines: A Third Option and Key Updates
Following the first approvals in 2023, the RSV vaccine landscape expanded in 2024, providing a third vaccine option for adults aged 60 and older.
- mResvia (Moderna): Licensed by the FDA in May 2024, mResvia is a newer mRNA-based RSV vaccine now available for adults 60 and older.
- Arexvy (GSK) & Abrysvo (Pfizer): These were the first two RSV vaccines approved in 2023 and remain important options for older adults.
The CDC recommends a single dose of any of these three FDA-approved vaccines for all adults 75 and older, as well as for adults 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe illness. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual shot for most people. Clinical data suggests protection lasts at least two seasons.
Annual Flu Vaccine Updates
Seasonal flu vaccines are reformulated each year. For the 2025-2026 season, U.S. vaccines are expected to be trivalent, targeting three strains. For seniors, the CDC specifically recommends enhanced influenza vaccines that are more effective due to their high-dose or adjuvanted formulations. These include Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent, and Fluad Quadrivalent. All adults 65 years and older should get a flu vaccine annually, ideally in late summer or early fall.
New Pneumococcal Vaccine and Expanded Recommendations
Significant updates have been made to pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
- Capvaxive (Merck): Approved in June 2024, this 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV21) protects against additional serotypes.
- Expanded Age Recommendation: In October 2024, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated the guidelines to recommend routine PCV vaccination starting at age 50. This expansion aims to increase coverage and address health disparities.
For adults aged 50 and older who are new to pneumococcal vaccination, a single dose of PCV21 or PCV20 is recommended. Those with a history of prior pneumococcal shots should consult with their healthcare provider.
Vaccine Comparison Table
To help you understand the options, here is a comparison of the key new and updated vaccines for seniors.
| Vaccine Type | New/Updated Information | Target Age Group | Key Dosing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | 2025-2026 formulations (Spikevax/mNEXSPIKE, Comirnaty) and Novavax updated to cover circulating strains (LP.8.1, KP.2). Second dose recommended for 65+. | Adults 65+ | First dose for all adults, plus a second dose for 65+. | Available from Moderna, Pfizer, Novavax. |
| RSV | FDA approved Moderna's mResvia in 2024, joining Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer). | Adults 60+ (risk-based) or 75+ (universal). | Single dose recommended. | Not an annual vaccine; protection lasts at least two seasons. |
| Pneumococcal | Capvaxive (PCV21) approved. CDC recommends routine vaccination starting at age 50. | Adults 50+ (routine) or 19-49 (risk-based). | Single dose of PCV20 or PCV21 for PCV-naïve. | Prior vaccination history affects next dose decision. |
| Flu (Enhanced) | Enhanced trivalent formulations available annually for the 2025-2026 season. | Adults 65+ | Annual dose in late summer/early fall. | High-dose and adjuvanted options recommended for older adults. |
How to get your new vaccines
To get these new or updated vaccines, consult your healthcare provider or a pharmacist. They can review your history and recommend the appropriate schedule. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover these immunizations. You can also use online schedulers to book appointments.
For more detailed information, visit the official CDC Recommendations page on adult immunization schedules.
Conclusion
In recent years, the vaccine landscape for older adults has significantly evolved, with new options for RSV and updated formulations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease. The expanded age recommendations for pneumococcal vaccines and the introduction of new products offer enhanced protection. Discussing these options with a healthcare professional can help you navigate your choices and ensure you are protected.
