2025 Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Do you have questions about what to expect during this year’s vaccines? As your partner in health, we’re answering your commonly asked questions about flu and COVID-19 virulence and how you can best protect yourself and others. 

Who should get the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine?  

On 08/27/2025, the FDA approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for persons age 65 and older and those between the ages of 6 months and 64 years with an underlying condition(s) placing them at higher risk for severe COVID-19. The label change narrows the patient population who were previously eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Typically, the FDA reviews and approves vaccines to ensure they are safe and effective, while the CDC provides recommendations on who should receive them.

On 09/05/25, the New York State Governor signed an executive order expanding access beyond federal approval for who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in New York State. Under this order, all eligible New Yorkers including children aged 3 and older, pregnant people, adults aged 65 and older, and healthy adults under the age of 65 with underlying conditions are able to receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine in New York State without a prescription; availability may vary by pharmacy. This is a 30-day order, but long-term legislation is actively being worked on. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for all young children ages 6-23 months and pregnant individuals this upcoming fall.  

The CDC has not yet released guidelines around who is recommended to receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines. The ACIP committee is set to meet in mid-September, and COVID-19 vaccines recommendations are expected to be discussed. The CDC is expected to issue the final recommendation a few days after ACIP releases its guidance.  

Are the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines safe? What are the side effects? 

There is vast experience with both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. The potential benefits including reducing the risk of infection, severe illness and even death, outweigh any potential harms. You cannot get the actual illness from the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.  

Potential mild side effects may include sore arm and a low-grade fever, but these usually go away within 1-2 days. Severe adverse reactions to both vaccines are extremely rare. While some people have developed heart problems after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, including myocarditis or pericarditis, the risk is extremely low. There is no risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis after an influenza vaccine.   

Where can I get these vaccines?

Flu vaccines will be available at the Barclays Health Centers this Fall. 

Although the CDC has not provided recommendation for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines, several states have taken access to expand vaccine access for individuals. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have issued executive orders allowing individuals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription. COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at many major retail pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens, though an appointment may be required. 

In other states, access and insurance coverage remain uncertain until the CDC releases its recommendation, insurance coverage of vaccines is usually based on CDC guidance. Some states may or may not require a prescription from a health care provider to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, these restrictions are based on state laws that require CDC approval before vaccinations can be widely administered and are expected to change in the coming weeks once the CDC issues official guidance for the updated COVID-19 vaccines. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. 

If you are interested in exploring resources for vaccination, we recommend checking availability and finding additional information at vaccinefinder.org.   

When can I get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines?

It is recommended to get the flu vaccine in September or October to be protected for the fall respiratory season. However, people should get a vaccine whenever they can even if it is later in the season. In general, COVID-19 vaccines are typically recommended in the fall, September or October, before the respiratory virus season begins. However, they can still be given later in the fall and winter. 

Flu vaccines are currently available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies. In New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut the COVID-19 vaccines are currently available at major retail pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS.  

Can I get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time?

Yes, you can get your COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time. However, you may want to get the shots in different arms. 

The CDC, other scientists, and regulatory agencies around the world have reviewed the available data and concluded it is safe to do so and does not affect the efficacy of the shots. Some people may want to get them on different days to minimize any temporary side effects (e.g., soreness, low-grade fever, fatigue).  

Will the COVID-19 vaccine be covered by insurance? 

Vaccine coverage is usually based on CDC recommendations, which are reviewed and adopted by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). If you meet the CDC’s guidelines, your vaccine should be covered. However, if you receive the vaccine “off-label” (outside of the approved guidelines), you may be responsible for the cost. The executive orders issued in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut also aim to broaden insurance coverage for individuals who would like to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. For specific details, please check with your insurance provider. 

When can I get the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine, if I had COVID-19 this summer?  

If you recently had COVID-19 and you are advised to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait 4-6 months before getting an updated vaccine. 

Recent infection from COVID-19 provides protection against COVID-19 but protection will decrease over time. 

What is the difference between an mRNA (Moderna/ Pfizer) and protein subunit based (Novavax) vaccine? 

An mRNA vaccine uses messenger (“m”) RNA created in the lab to teach our own cells to make a spike protein that is found on COVID-19 cells. These spike proteins then trigger our immune response to create antibodies, which provide protection against infection.  

A protein subunit-based vaccine contains pieces of spike protein found in COVID-19 cells. These spike proteins trigger our immune response to create antibodies.  

The COVID-19 vaccines do not use any live virus and cannot cause infection of COVID-19.    

If I’m eligible for a vaccine, which updated COVID-19 vaccine should I get? 

We recommend getting whichever vaccine is available. Beyond the difference in age criteria and composition, there are no practical differences in effectiveness or safety between the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. While the mRNA vaccines target Omicron LP.8.1, a slightly more recent strain that started to circulate widely in spring 2024, the JN.1 strain that the Novavax vaccine targets is also a good match to the strains circulating right now because LP.8.1 has descended from JN.1. 

If you are currently eligible and have questions about which vaccine you should receive, we recommend speaking to your health care provider for more information. 

2025-2026 Vaccine Summary