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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
The FDA has approved four updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XFG variant for the 2026–27 season, from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax-Sanofi. However, the CDC has yet to issue official recommendations, as its vaccine advisory panel remains in legal limbo. Several major medical societies have stepped in to fill the guidance void.
The FDA has approved four updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026–27 season, all formulated to target the XFG variant — the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain from last season. The approved shots include Moderna's Spikevax and mNexspike, Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty (all mRNA-based), and Novavax-Sanofi's protein-based Nuvaxovid. The approvals follow an 8-0 advisory committee vote in May recommending XFG as the target strain, and vaccines are already beginning to ship.
Despite the FDA's action, the CDC has not issued official recommendations for the 2026–27 season. Its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) remains in legal limbo after a court challenged appointments made under HHS Secretary RFK Jr., and the panel skipped its regular March and June meetings. In the absence of CDC guidance, major medical societies — including the American College of Physicians, ACOG, IDSA, and AAFP — have issued their own recommendations, generally supporting vaccination for older adults and high-risk individuals.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: With the CDC sidelined, clinicians are navigating a fragmented guidance landscape heading into fall respiratory virus season. Medical society recommendations and FDA approvals are now the primary signposts — making it more important than ever for HCPs to stay current on evolving guidance.
