Vaccines are still the best protection against both the flu and COVID-19. But with recent changes to eligibility guidelines, many people are wondering: Do I qualify for a vaccine this year?
For the 2025-2026 season, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading medical societies have all shared guidance. And while these organizations generally agree on the benefits of vaccination, their recommendations don’t always match up when it comes to who should get which vaccines and when.
To help clear up the confusion, we spoke with Laura Morris, MD, chief medical officer of ambulatory care at MU Health Care. She shared what patients need to know about eligibility and where vaccines are available locally.
Who Decides Vaccine Recommendations Each Year?
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are typically updated each season, which means they need to be reapproved.
“The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated seasonally to better match the virus that has been circulating recently,” shares Dr. Morris. “Flu shots were updated in 2024, and the formulation remains mostly the same this year because the same strains are prevalent.”
The COVID-19 vaccine, however, was adjusted to target a strain that went around earlier this summer — you may have heard it called the “razorblade variant.”
The FDA reviews safety and effectiveness of new and updated vaccines before authorizing them each year, and then the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provide recommendations for who should receive them and when.
The flu shot has been recommended for everyone 6 months and older since 2010, but there’s been more discussion about the newer vaccines for COVID-19. This August, the FDA approved the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk groups, including adults 65 and older as well as children and adults 6 months and older with qualifying conditions. But in September, a CDC panel voted to suggest patients work with their doctors in a shared clinical decision-making process.
“There are also other groups that represent children, families and women across the United States,” shares Dr. Morris, noting that these groups are generally aligned, and their recommendations are more similar to previous years. “For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every child six to 23 months old should get the vaccine — even if they’re healthy.”
So, Who Actually Qualifies for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Different organizations may emphasize the importance of vaccines to different groups, which can make it hard for patients to know where they stand.
“MU Health Care has always recommended the highest-risk patients be vaccinated,” says Dr. Morris, noting this group includes people over age 65 and those with compromised immune systems. “But there are other patients who benefit, and doctors can work with you to ensure you get vaccinated if you want to.”
There’s a long list of qualifying factors to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but a few of the most common may surprise you:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Mental health conditions
- Obesity
“I think we all know that sedentary lifestyle and obesity are health risks for patients,” shares Dr. Morris, “but there’s also evidence that people with mental health issues don’t do as well when they have COVID-19, so they benefit from vaccination.”
Per CDC guidance, you may be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you don’t have a qualifying condition. Dr. Morris recommends reaching out to your primary care physician’s office to find the best way to get vaccinated.
What About Insurance?
Even if they qualify, many patients are wondering if insurance will still cover COVID-19 vaccines, especially with all the recent changes. As of today, Dr. Morris doesn’t expect that to be an issue.
“At this point, we haven’t seen any indication that insurance won’t cover COVID-19 shots,” she explains. “Flu shots remain covered as they always have been, and currently, COVID shots are expected to be covered when doctors and patients make shared decisions based on health history.”
How to Get Your Vaccines
If you’ve decided to get your flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine this year, here’s what you need to know:
Getting Your Shot at a Pharmacy
Pharmacies in the U.S. typically offer flu shots with no prescription. Many are also offering COVID-19 vaccines this season, but due to restrictions in some states, you’ll need to check with your chosen pharmacy about whether a prescription is needed. If you do need a prescription, Dr. Morris recommends reaching out to your doctor. At MU Health Care, patients can reach out directly on their HEALTHConnect patient portal.
Clinics and Vaccination Events
You can get a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine at any existing appointment, or by making a new appointment with your primary care doctor. Both vaccines are available at MU Health Care primary care locations, as well as Quick Care and pharmacy locations (no prescription needed).
MU Health Care is also offering several walk-in and drive-thru events, plus extended hours at some locations to make getting your vaccines as easy as possible.
Can I get my COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time?
You can get both vaccination at the same time at most locations. “Some people are concerned their immune systems will get overwhelmed from two shots at once,” shares Dr. Morris. “But your immune system is exposed to so many things every day, it can handle the tiny amount of a vaccine. You may just have two sore arms instead of one.”
Key Takeaways
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense against serious illness. And while guidelines can be difficult to navigate at times, our goal as a community is the same: Protect the people most at risk.
If you want to get a COVID-19 shot and are unsure whether you qualify, talking with your doctor or care team is the best bet. If you’re still on the fence about getting vaccinated for the flu or COVID-19 this year, resources are available.
“We recommend people speaking with their trusted health care professional about their recommendations for you,” shares Dr. Morris. “Doctors, nurses and pharmacists are our best source of truth, and your relationship with them means they know how to treat you best.”