The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID vaccines on August 27 with new limitations, according to stories in multiple news outlets.

COVID vaccines are now approved by FDA for individuals aged 65 years or older, or those under age 65 who are at risk for serious complications related to COVID infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reportedly made similar recommendations that were not approved by CDC Director Susan Monarez and therefore are not officially endorsed by CDC at this time.

While Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. maintains that COVID vaccines will remain available for those who want them, the new limitations are likely to pose barriers to non-qualifying individuals, such as healthcare personnel and staff in LeadingAge communities for whom the vaccines may not be covered by insurance and no “bridge” program exists.

Previously, CDC operated the Bridge Access Program that provided free COVID vaccines to uninsured and underinsured individuals; however, this program ended in August 2024. No similar program was available for the 2024/2025 respiratory virus season and HHS has not indicated any plans for a program during the 2025/2026 respiratory virus season that will begin on October 1.