Key Takeaway:
- Updated Flu and COVID Vaccines for the 2026-27 season target recently circulating flu and COVID-19 strains.
- Updated COVID-19 vaccines target the XFG variant and are available based on age and health-risk eligibility.
- Health officials recommend planning fall vaccination, with flu shots ideally completed by the end of October.
Updated Flu and COVID Vaccines are available ahead of the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, targeting recently circulating strains as health officials urge eligible people to plan fall vaccination.
Updated Flu Shots Target H3N2
The CDC says flu vaccines for the 2026-27 season are available for people ages 6 months and older, with all U.S. vaccines updated from last season. The changes include protection against influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, which spread widely during the 2025-26 season. These updates are an important part of the Updated Flu and COVID Vaccines available for the new season.
All U.S. flu vaccines are trivalent, meaning they target three influenza viruses: H1N1, H3N2, and a B/Victoria lineage virus. The CDC describes the vaccines as the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.
The Food and Drug Administration recommended the updated composition in March, with different formulations available, including egg-based, cell-based and recombinant vaccines. The FDA’s recommendations were provided to manufacturers of approved seasonal flu vaccines.
“September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against influenza,” the CDC says. For most people, vaccination should ideally occur by the end of October, although vaccination can continue while flu viruses are circulating.
COVID Shots Match XFG Variant
The FDA recommended a 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine formula based on the JN.1-lineage XFG variant to more closely match viruses circulating in the United States. The updated vaccines are designed as monovalent vaccines targeting XFG, making them an important component of the Updated Flu and COVID Vaccines for the upcoming season.
The FDA currently lists updated versions of Comirnaty, Mnexspike, and Nuvaxovid among approved COVID-19 vaccines. Their approved age groups and eligibility vary by vaccine and health risk.
For example, Mnexspike is approved for people 65 and older and for those ages 12 through 64 who have an underlying condition that places them at high risk for severe COVID-19. Nuvaxovid has the same broad age and risk-based eligibility.
The FDA said its recommendation followed a review of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccine effectiveness, and immune-response data. “FDA will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as the virus evolves, the agency said.
Timing Matters As Fall Approaches
Flu activity varies from season to season, but influenza commonly increases during fall and winter. Getting Updated Flu and COVID Vaccines in September or October can help provide protection as seasonal transmission increases.
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious complications, including older adults, pregnant people, young children, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
People in Michigan can check with pharmacies, doctors’ offices, clinics, and health departments for vaccine availability. COVID-19 vaccination decisions should be based on current eligibility and individual health risks.
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