Updated COVID-19 shots likely to be covered this year, insurers say

Health insurers likely will cover COVID-19 shots this fall, despite the Food and Drug Administration limiting the shot to people 65 and older or those with health conditions, according to two insurance trade organization representatives. However, insurers may change coverage requirements starting in January 2026 depending on the recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory committee. Health and Human Services Department Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently replaced the committee members with those who share his skepticism of vaccines. CVS and Walgreens now require a prescription or do not offer COVID-19 vaccines in some states in an effort to follow state guidelines requiring CDC approval. (Reuters article, 8/28/25)