This Fall's COVID-19 Vaccine: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

The 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines are updated to target XFG, the Omicron subvariant currently driving most U.S. cases. Larry Kociolek, MD, Infectious Diseases, walks through the current recommendations, who's considered higher risk and where families can get the shot for the best protection through winter. 

What's new in the 2026–2027 formula? 

Every COVID-19 vaccine offered this season has been updated to target XFG, the strain that's been most common in the U.S. throughout 2026. Health experts recommended this update back in May, and the FDA approved the new vaccines in late August — just in time for fall, when respiratory illnesses tend to pick up. 

This is the same type of routine update the vaccines have gotten each of the last few years. The underlying vaccines aren't new, but the piece of the virus they train the immune system to recognize has been refreshed to better match what's circulating now. 

When is the best time to get vaccinated? 

The best time to get vaccinated is generally in the fall when the new season’s vaccine becomes available. This is usually between late August and early October. Protection builds over about two weeks and gradually declines over several months, so vaccinating in early-to-mid fall lines up peak protection with the winter respiratory virus season. 

Many pediatricians and pharmacies can give the COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit as a flu shot, and this is worth asking about to save a trip. 

Is this year's vaccine updated for the latest strains?  

Yes. The 2026–2027 formula targets the XFG variant, which has been the predominant circulating strain in the U.S. this year. All four approved vaccines — Comirnaty, Spikevax, mNEXSPIKE, and Nuvaxovid — were updated to this strain. 

Should immunocompromised children get the vaccine?

The AAP recommends that children 6 months through 18 years with moderate or severe immunocompromise receive the updated vaccine and notes they may need more than one dose depending on their vaccination history. Because the right schedule depends on a child's specific condition and treatment, speak to your pediatrician or specialist. 

Are COVID-19 vaccines still recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics?

Yes. The AAP recommends vaccination for the following groups of infants and children:  

• All infants and children age 6 through 23 months old.
• Children age 2 through 18  years old who meet one or more of the following:
  
  • The child or a household contact is at increased risk of severe COVID-19. 
  • Never been vaccinated against COVID-19 previously.
  • Residents of a long-term care facility or other congregate setting.
  • None of the above but their parent or guardian desires their child have additional protection against COVID-19.

Where can I get my family vaccinated?

The updated vaccines are expected to become available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, hospitals and other vaccine clinics. Checking with your primary care doctor or local pharmacy, confirming they have the updated 2026-2027 formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine and verifying insurance coverage before receiving the shot. In Illinois, children age 3 years and older are able to receive COVID-19 vaccine at a commercial pharmacy. 

Have questions about whether your child needs the updated vaccine? Find a Lurie Children's pediatrician to talk through your family's specific risk factors and vaccination history.