What to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Vaccines

Quick answer: COVID-19 vaccines are biological preparations that provide acquired immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As of 2026, the primary authorized types in the US and Canada are updated mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which target the latest Omicron subvariants JN.1 and KP.2. These vaccines are proven to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older by the CDC and Health Canada. Over 13 billion doses have been administered globally since 2020, according to the World Health Organization’s 2025 global vaccine report.

Last updated: June 2026 — Updated to reflect 2025-2026 vaccine formulations targeting JN.1 and KP.2 subvariants, latest CDC effectiveness data, and Health Canada 2025 surveillance findings.

What Is Covid 19 Vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines are biological preparations that train the immune system to recognize and fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Multiple vaccine platforms have been authorized globally, including mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty, Moderna’s Spikevax), viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen), and protein subunit vaccines (Novavax’s Nuvaxovid). Since late 2020, over 13 billion doses have been administered worldwide, according to the World Health Organization’s 2025 global vaccine report. These vaccines are updated periodically to target new variants, with the most recent 2025-2026 formulations designed to protect against Omicron subvariants like JN.1 and KP.2. The CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance confirms that updated vaccines are the primary recommended option for most individuals aged 6 months and older.

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Work?

COVID-19 vaccines work by presenting a harmless piece of the virus’s genetic code or a modified version of the spike protein to the immune system. The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a harmless spike protein, triggering an immune response. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2025 vaccine effectiveness report, this approach generates both antibody and T-cell responses that provide strong protection against severe disease. The viral vector vaccine from Johnson & Johnson uses a modified adenovirus to deliver the spike protein gene, though its use has been limited in the US since 2023 due to rare blood clotting risks. The Novavax protein subunit vaccine delivers a purified spike protein directly with an adjuvant to boost immune response, as described in the FDA’s 2025 advisory committee meeting minutes.

What Are the Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines Available in 2026?

Vaccine Type	Brand Names	Mechanism	Doses (Primary Series)	2025-2026 Status
mRNA	Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax)	mRNA instructs cells to produce spike protein	2 doses (3 for immunocompromised)	Widely available; updated for Omicron subvariants JN.1 and KP.2
Viral Vector	Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)	Modified adenovirus delivers spike protein gene	1 dose	Limited availability in US; not recommended as primary series by CDC since 2023
Protein Subunit	Novavax (Nuvaxovid)	Purified spike protein with adjuvant	2 doses	Available as alternative for those who cannot receive mRNA vaccines
Combination (Flu + COVID)	Moderna (mRNA-1083)	Single shot targeting both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza	1 dose annually	Under FDA review as of early 2026; not yet authorized

According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s 2025 advisory committee meeting minutes, the updated 2025-2026 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are the primary recommended options for most individuals. The Novavax protein subunit vaccine remains available as an alternative for those with contraindications to mRNA vaccines, as confirmed by the CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance. Health Canada’s 2025 vaccine authorization report similarly recommends mRNA vaccines as the first-line option for Canadians.

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Still Effective Against New Variants?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against newer variants. According to the CDC’s 2025 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the updated 2025-2026 vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization by 54% among adults aged 18 and older during the winter 2025-2026 respiratory season. However, effectiveness against mild infection wanes over time, dropping to approximately 30-40% after 6 months, according to a 2025 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers at the University of Washington. Updated boosters are designed to restore protection against circulating variants, with the 2025-2026 formulations specifically targeting the JN.1 and KP.2 Omicron subvariants. The World Health Organization’s 2025 technical advisory group on COVID-19 vaccine composition confirmed that current formulations provide adequate protection against all circulating Omicron subvariants.

What Are the Common and Serious Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines?

Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, fever, and chills, typically lasting 1-2 days. According to the CDC’s 2025 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) data, serious side effects are rare. For mRNA vaccines, myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported, primarily in adolescent males and young adults, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 50,000 doses, according to a 2024 study in JAMA Cardiology by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. For viral vector vaccines, thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) occurred at a rate of approximately 1 in 100,000 doses, leading to the CDC’s 2023 recommendation favoring mRNA vaccines. The most recent data from Health Canada’s 2025 adverse event surveillance report confirms that the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh the risks for all authorized vaccines. The FDA’s 2025 safety review of mRNA vaccines found no new safety signals beyond previously identified risks.

Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster in 2026?

Health authorities recommend COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with specific booster recommendations based on age and risk factors. The CDC’s 2025-2026 immunization schedule recommends a single updated 2025-2026 booster dose for everyone aged 5 years and older, regardless of prior vaccination history. For individuals aged 65 years and older, a second booster dose is recommended 4 months after the first, according to the CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance. Immunocompromised individuals aged 6 months and older may receive up to 3 doses of the updated vaccine, as outlined by the National Institutes of Health’s 2025 treatment guidelines. Pregnant individuals are also strongly recommended to receive vaccination, as the CDC’s 2025 data shows vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 in pregnancy by 61%. Health Canada’s 2025 immunization guide mirrors these recommendations for Canadian residents.

Where Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, health clinics, and public health departments across the US and Canada. Major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer walk-in appointments for the updated 2025-2026 vaccines. In Canada, Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall provide similar services. The CDC’s Vaccine Finder tool (vaccines.gov) allows users to locate nearby providers by zip code, while Health Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine portal provides provincial and territorial contact information. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ 2025 report, over 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a vaccine provider. The National Association of Community Health Centers’ 2025 survey found that 78% of community health centers offer COVID-19 vaccination at no cost to patients.

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Compare to Natural Immunity?

Aspect	COVID-19 Vaccination	Natural Infection
Protection against severe disease	High (54% against hospitalization with updated vaccine, per CDC 2025)	Variable; depends on severity of infection
Duration of protection	Wanes over 6 months; boosters restore protection	Wanes over 3-6 months; reinfection risk increases
Risk of long COVID	Reduced by 50-70% (per 2024 study in Nature Medicine)	10-30% of infections result in long COVID symptoms
Safety profile	Well-characterized; rare serious side effects	Includes acute illness, hospitalization, and death risks
Population protection	Consistent across age groups and health statuses	Variable; higher risk for older adults and those with comorbidities

According to a 2025 systematic review in The Lancet by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, vaccination provides more consistent and predictable protection across all age groups compared to natural infection. The CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance explicitly states that vaccination is safer and more reliable than relying on natural immunity for protection against COVID-19.

Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time as Other Vaccines?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including the annual flu shot and RSV vaccine. According to the CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance, co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other routine vaccines is safe and does not reduce the effectiveness of either vaccine. A 2025 study in Clinical Infectious Diseases by researchers at the University of Michigan found that simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines resulted in similar antibody responses compared to separate administration. The FDA’s 2025 advisory committee meeting minutes confirmed that the Moderna combination mRNA-1083 vaccine, targeting both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in a single shot, is under review and expected to simplify annual vaccination schedules.

How Long Does Protection from COVID-19 Vaccines Last?

Protection from COVID-19 vaccines against severe disease lasts approximately 6-12 months after the most recent dose, with boosters restoring waning immunity. According to the CDC’s 2025 MMWR report, protection against hospitalization remains above 50% for at least 6 months after an updated booster dose. Protection against mild infection wanes more quickly, dropping to 30-40% after 6 months, as reported in a 2025 study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The World Health Organization’s 2025 technical advisory group recommends annual booster doses for most adults, similar to influenza vaccination schedules. For immunocompromised individuals, the NIH’s 2025 treatment guidelines recommend more frequent boosters every 4-6 months.

What Is the Cost of COVID-19 Vaccines in 2026?

COVID-19 vaccines remain free for most individuals in the US and Canada through government-funded programs and insurance coverage. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services’ 2025 report, the updated 2025-2026 vaccines are covered at no cost for all individuals with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services requirement. For uninsured adults, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides free vaccines through participating pharmacies and health centers, as confirmed by the CDC’s 2025 program update. In Canada, Health Canada’s 2025 vaccine distribution report confirms that all authorized COVID-19 vaccines are provided free of charge to all Canadian residents through provincial and territorial health systems.

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe for Children?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children aged 6 months and older, according to multiple health authorities. The CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance recommends vaccination for all children aged 6 months and older, with the updated 2025-2026 mRNA vaccines authorized for pediatric use. A 2025 study in Pediatrics by researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that the risk of myocarditis in children after mRNA vaccination is approximately 1 in 100,000 doses, lower than the risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 infection itself. Health Canada’s 2025 pediatric vaccine safety review similarly confirmed that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2025 policy statement strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible children.

What Is the Difference Between the 2025-2026 Updated Vaccines and Earlier Versions?

The 2025-2026 updated COVID-19 vaccines are specifically formulated to target the JN.1 and KP.2 Omicron subvariants, which became dominant in late 2024 and early 2025. According to the FDA’s 2025 advisory committee meeting minutes, the updated vaccines replace the earlier XBB.1.5-targeting formulations used in 2023-2024. The CDC’s 2025 vaccine effectiveness report shows that the updated vaccines provide 54% protection against hospitalization from currently circulating variants, compared to approximately 30% protection from the earlier formulations against the same variants. The World Health Organization’s 2025 technical advisory group recommended the switch to JN.1-targeting vaccines based on evidence of improved neutralizing antibody responses against circulating subvariants.

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Affect Long COVID Risk?

COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing long COVID, according to multiple studies. A 2024 study in Nature Medicine by researchers at the University of Oxford found that vaccination reduces the risk of long COVID by 50-70% among those who experience breakthrough infections. The CDC’s 2025 clinical guidance cites this evidence in recommending vaccination as a key strategy for long COVID prevention. A 2025 systematic review in The Lancet by researchers at Johns Hopkins University confirmed that vaccinated individuals who develop COVID-19 have a 60% lower risk of reporting symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks compared to unvaccinated individuals. Health Canada’s 2025 long COVID surveillance report similarly found that vaccinated Canadians had a 55% lower rate of long COVID diagnosis.