COVID-19 Adult Vaccine
- Home
- Services
- Treatments
- COVID-19 Adult Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccination Guide: 2025-2026 Season
As we enter the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season, including both flu and COVID-19, updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available. This guide provides the latest information about who is eligible, where to receive the vaccine and how to stay informed.
Who Should Get the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines?
The updated COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for:
- Adults age 65 and older
- People under 65 who have at least one high-risk medical condition, such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Inactivity
- Obesity
- Advanced or untreated HIV
- Transplant recipients or those on immunosuppressive therapy
- Smoking
(This is not a complete list. For the full list, visit the CDC website.)
If you’re not in a high-risk group but are interested in receiving the vaccine, talk with your health care provider to determine if it’s appropriate for you this season.
Which Vaccines Are Approved?
The FDA has approved the following updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025–2026 season:
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax):
For adults 65+ and individuals 6 months to 64 years old with high-risk conditions. - Moderna (mNEXSPIKE):
For adults 65+ and individuals 12-64 years old with high-risk conditions.
Where Do I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
At this time, you can receive the COVID-19 vaccination from a Mercy pharmacy or other local pharmacies offering COVID vaccinations. Those under the age of 12 will have a different formulation of the vaccine that may only be available at certain locations.
When Is the Vaccine Available?
The vaccine is currently available.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Currently, insurance coverage varies and may not be finalized until after the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meets on September 18-19.
- Retail pharmacies (including Mercy pharmacies) will check your insurance before giving the vaccine and can let you know the cost upfront.
- Coverage may depend on eligibility, vaccine type and your health plan's coverage.
This is the most reliable method at this time to determine your individual cost.
Please note: some pharmacy locations and/or insurance plans may require a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
Most people can receive the vaccine any time this fall.
- If you recently received an older COVID-19 vaccine, wait at least eight weeks before getting the updated version.
- If you recently had a COVID-19 infection, waiting about six months after recovery may improve the vaccine’s effectiveness.
Talk to your provider about the best timing for you.
How Do I Prevent COVID-19?
COVID-19, like other respiratory viruses, is spread when a person with COVID breathes, coughs or sneezes out droplets and particles that contain the virus, and another person breathes them in, or they land on the person’s eyes, nose or mouth. Some groups of people are higher risk for severe illness. Talk with your doctor about your risk. Prevention measures include getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you’re eligible, covering your cough and sneeze, cleaning your hands frequently and staying home when you’re sick. More information on preventing the spread of COVID and other respiratory viruses can be found here: Preventing Respiratory Illnesses | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
Stay Informed
Vaccine guidance may continue to change throughout the season. Stay up to date by:
- Checking with your Mercy provider or pharmacist
- Visiting these resources:
We’re committed to keeping you informed and healthy throughout the 2025–2026 season.