(Aug. 29, 2025) – Medicare Announces Seasonal Flu Vaccine Pricing for 2025–2026 Season
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released payment allowances and effective dates for influenza vaccinations for the 2025–2026 influenza season. Medicare Part B covers flu vaccination. Refer to the CMS Flu Shot webpage for billing and coverage information.
FDA Approves Updated 2025 – 2026 COVID-19 Vaccines
On Aug. 27, the Food and Drug Administration approved the updated 2025 – 2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulations for all individuals aged 65 and older and certain age groups under 65, but these age groups vary by vaccine. Secretary Kennedy shared this announcement on 
. The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulation targets the SARS-CoV-2 sublineage LP.8.1. The approved vaccines and the corresponding ages for which each received FDA approval are as follows.
Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty
- Comirnaty was approved for individuals aged five through 64 at increased risk for severe COVID-19 and adults aged 65 and older.
- According to Pfizer's announcement, shipping of Comirnaty will begin immediately.
- Pfizer's emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine for children under five had been rescinded.
Moderna's Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE
- The updated formula for Spikevax is now approved for individuals aged six months through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and all adults 65 years of age and older.
- mNEXSPIKE, Moderna's new COVID-19 vaccine, is approved for individuals aged 12 years through 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and all adults aged 65 years and older.
- Moderna's updated vaccines are expected to be available in the coming days.
Novavax's Nuvaxovid
- Nuvaxovid was approved for use in individuals aged 12 years to 64 years with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, and aged 65 years and older.
- Nuvaxovi is the only protein-based, non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S. for the 2025-2026 vaccination season.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and young children. AAP recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged six months through 23 months to help protect against serious illness. In addition to the recommendation for children younger than two years, AAP recommends a single dose of age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine for all children and adolescents two years through 18 years of age in the following risk groups:
- Persons at high risk of severe COVID-19
- Residents of long-term care facilities or other congregate settings
- People who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
- Persons whose household contacts are at high risk for severe COVID-19
The AAP also recommends the vaccine be available for children aged two to 18 years who do not fall into these risk groups, but whose parent or guardian desires them to receive the vaccine's protection.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to recommend that all pregnant and lactating individuals receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or "booster." ACOG recommends all clinicians provide a strong recommendation for updated COVID-19 vaccination to their pregnant and lactating patients. See the ACOG COVID-19 guidance.
HHS Announces Request for Nominations to the Federal Healthcare Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the establishment of a federal Healthcare Advisory Committee. According to HHS and CMS, the committee will be charged with making recommendations to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to improve how care is financed and delivered across Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS is accepting nominations for the advisory committee, specifically individuals with expertise in chronic disease prevention and management, federally administered health care financing and delivery system reform. Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by an organization. Nominations must be submitted by Sept. 22, 2025. Fifteen members will be appointed by HHS later this year. For more detailed information and to submit nominations, see the Federal Register notice.
Applications Due Oct. 14 for the 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award
The American Hospital Association is accepting applications through Oct. 14 for the 2026 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award. This award recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate outstanding collaboration with community partners to improve health outcomes and community well-being. Eligible programs must be at least two years old, show clear evidence of impact and sustainability and be replicable in other communities. Up to five winners will be honored at the AHA Healthier Together Conference, May 12-14, 2026, in Dallas.
