Update on COVID-19 2025–2026 Vaccines – From VDH, September 11, 2025

Dear Colleague,

 This letter provides important updates about the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine.

On August 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines for adults 65 years of age and older and certain individuals under 65 years of age who have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet on September 18–19, 2025. It is anticipated that the ACIP will discuss recommendations for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine and offer its recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to include its Immunization Schedule. Until then, challenges exist for patients seeking to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine from a pharmacy. Therefore, I have issued a Statewide Standing Order authorizing pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to adults consistent with FDA indication.

This statewide standing order will facilitate adults accessing the COVID-19 vaccine within pharmacies across the Commonwealth. Minors and adults between 18 and 64 who do not have an underlying condition should consult with their healthcare provider. Currently, a pharmacist may not administer a COVID-19 vaccine to these populations without a healthcare provider’s medical authorization.

Thank you for partnering with VDH to keep Virginians safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Karen Shelton, MD
State Health Commissioner