The FDA Wants an Annual COVID Vaccine: What You Need to Know

The FDA’s advisory committee has voted to recommend that people receive a COVID-19 vaccine once yearly, similar to the flu shot, making a significant shift in how the public will receive the vaccine in the future.

Currently, those age 5 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone age 6 months and older is recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. COVID-19 boosters have also been recommended for many people, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

If approved, the shift to an annual vaccine for COVID-19 will simplify and standardize the vaccination process, making it more convenient for people to stay protected against the virus.

This decision comes after the FDA met to review data on the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccines, including the need for booster doses. The FDA’s advisory committee voted to simplify the COVID-19 vaccine, recommending an annual vaccine designed to protect against the latest circulating variants.

What this means for you:

If the FDA authorizes annual COVID-19 vaccines, you may receive a single shot each year, typically in the fall, to stay protected against the virus. This shift will make it easier to keep your COVID-19 vaccination up to date and maintain protection against the virus, similar to the annual flu vaccine.

It's important to continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask in certain settings and practicing good hygiene, until the COVID-19 pandemic is better controlled.