Despite a government advisory committee's non-recommendation, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available this fall at pharmacies nationwide. Insurers, including major players like UnitedHealthcare, will continue covering the shots for most patients through 2026. While the CDC's advisory panel didn't specifically recommend the vaccines, coverage will extend to Medicaid, CHIP, and commercial plans. Patients aged 65 and older, or those with high-risk conditions, are eligible. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens will administer the vaccines, requiring prescriptions only in certain states.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.