COVID-19 Vaccine Key Updates
9/11/2025 - VDH Update on COVID-19 Vaccines
On September 10, Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, signed a new statewide standing order for pharmacies in Virginia to facilitate accessibility for pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.
This standing order will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and to Virginians between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription. Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read the full statement from the Virginia Department Health regarding 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccines.
9/5/2025 – VDH Update: Read the statement from the Virginia Department of Health Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines
9/4/2025 – Update on COVID-19 Vaccines
The FDA recently approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups (people ages 65 and older and people under age 65 with conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness). The next step in the process is for the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to issue their recommendations following the meeting on September 18-19.
The Fairfax County Health Department expects to have updated guidance and limited vaccine supply in October. Reminder, the health department provides the COVID-19 vaccine only to individuals who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid. At this time, people with private insurance should contact their local pharmacy or medical provider with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia Department of Health Information as of September 12, 2025
On August 27, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four new COVID-19 vaccines made by three different companies. These vaccines are designed to protect against the types of the virus expected to spread in 2025 and 2026.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19 to discuss and vote on recommendations for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines. Right now, the CDC has not made any official recommendations for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that patients receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine at any point during pregnancy, in the postpartum period, when planning to become pregnant, or when lactating.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 18-19 to discuss and vote on recommendations for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines. Right now, the CDC has not made any official recommendations for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a different recommendation on August 19, 2025. AAP recommends that children 6-23 months should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. For children ages 2 to 18, the AAP says that parents should discuss with their child’s healthcare provider about what is best for their child’s health. Our understanding is that the AAP made these recommendations because young children and kids with certain health conditions have a higher chance of going to the hospital if they get COVID-19.
On September 10, Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, signed a new statewide standing order for pharmacies in Virginia to facilitate accessibility for pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.
This standing order will allow pharmacists to administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and to Virginians between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription. Patients between the ages of 18 and 64 without underlying health conditions, as well as those under 18, are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Drug companies have started to ship the 2025-26 vaccines to health care providers and pharmacies. Some providers may wait until the CDC issues their official recommendations which is expected to take place on September 18-19.