What vaccines are available this season
Executive summary
This season’s respiratory vaccine landscape centers on three vaccines: the 2025–26 seasonal flu shot (trivalent, with a newly approved at-home nasal option), updated 2025–26 COVID‑19 vaccines for those 6 months and older, and targeted RSV immunizations for high‑risk groups — all offered within shifting eligibility and supply contexts [1] [2] [3].
1. Seasonal flu: what formulations are available and how well they match circulating strains
The U.S. 2025–26 flu vaccine is a trivalent formulation designed to protect against H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B and is being distributed widely — manufacturers projected up to 154 million doses for the season [1]; the nasal spray FluMist is again available and, for the first time this season, approved for self‑ or caregiver administration [1]. Scientists warn the dominant H3N2 subclade K emerged after strain selection, creating a potential mismatch, though early real‑world and laboratory data suggest the vaccine still offers meaningful protection against severe illness and may confer some protection against subclade K [4] [5] [6].
2. COVID‑19 vaccines: who is eligible and which products are on offer
Health authorities recommend the 2025–26 COVID‑19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older based on individual decision‑making and risk assessment, emphasizing its role in preventing severe disease and hospitalization [2]. Multiple manufacturers produced updated formulations for the season; public reporting lists Moderna and Pfizer‑BioNTech vaccines for ages 6 months and up and Novavax formulations for certain age groups, reflecting the array of options providers can offer [7] [2].
3. RSV and other winter vaccines: targeted approaches for higher‑risk people
RSV activity has been relatively low overall but trending upward in many areas, and public health experts point to RSV immunizations and monoclonal antibody options that exist for high‑risk infants and older adults as important tools this winter [3]. Guidance in several health systems narrows RSV and COVID vaccine offers to those at greatest risk — immunosuppressed people and older adults — while broader access for flu remains recommended for everyone six months and older [3] [1] [8].
4. Supply, access and conflicting signals about availability
Official U.S. federal guidance reports ample flu supply with no anticipated shortages and a substantial projected vaccine supply, plus the expanded FluMist administration option intended to improve access [1]. Yet some pharmacy and private providers have reported local shortages — notably private notices that children’s nasal flu vaccines may be unavailable in some locales — illustrating how national projections can mask granular supply or appointment constraints [9] [1]. Meanwhile, changing policy on pediatric vaccine schedules and reporting could affect uptake and public confidence, as noted in analyses of recent federal schedule revisions that condensed recommended childhood vaccines beginning in 2025 [10].
5. The practical bottom line for the season
For this respiratory season, the available vaccines are: the 2025–26 trivalent influenza shot (including injectable formulations and the FluMist nasal spray with new self‑administration approval), updated 2025–26 COVID‑19 vaccines from multiple manufacturers for those 6 months and older, and targeted RSV immunizations for eligible high‑risk groups; these tools are recommended especially for older adults, immunocompromised people, pregnant women and young children where indicated [1] [2] [3]. Coverage, local supply and evolving viral drift mean individuals should consult local providers and official guidance to confirm which specific formulations and administration options are available nearby, and public health experts stress uptake matters: vaccines reduce severe outcomes even when viruses evolve [5] [2].