FAQ on Fall Vaccines

Can doctors still prescribe the Covid-19 vaccine "off-label" to other patients who want them? Yes, but there are practical barriers. Off-label use requires a physician to prescribe it, rather than just stopping by the pharmacy. Also, insurance coverage may not apply for off-label use, so patients may have to pay out of pocket.

Will healthcare workers be able to get the Covid-19 vaccine? Healthcare workers are not on the FDA list of approved groups, so my preliminary answer is no.

What's the latest with Novavax? Last season's Novavax vaccine is approved for adults ages 65+ and people 12+ who have underlying health conditions. The company is planning on a 2025-2026 formulation, but no details are available yet.

I'm getting the Covid-19, RSV and influenza vaccines. I don't want to get them all at once. What order is best? In terms of seasonality, Covid-19 and RSV seasons are first, then Covid-19 again and flu during mid-winter.

What is the difference between mNEXSPIKE and Spikevax? The documents submitted to FDA say that mNEXPSPIKE is more protective than Spikevax (13% higher efficacy in older adults) with similar safety profiles. That is all the information I could find.

Isn't it still true that anyone can self-attest for an updated vaccine, without further documentation? Yes, this should be true but many readers told me they had trouble getting Paxlovid, which was similarly restricted. This makes me concerned about easy of access.

How is the 2024-2025 formulation different than the 2025-2026? As I understand it, last year was the KP.2 strain of JN.1 lineage, this year is LP.8.1. strain of JN.1.

What if I'm not sure if I qualify for the new Covid vaccine? The qualifying conditions are quite broad, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions, and even physical inactivity. About a third of adults likely qualify. However, you'll need to navigate the system to prove eligibility, which may involve explaining your condition at the pharmacy or visiting your doctor. CDC says you should be able to self-attest, but I can't promise that's how it will pan out.

Can my healthy child get the Covid vaccine? Healthy children won't be eligible under the new restrictions. However, many children may qualify due to conditions like obesity. Pediatricians may also be able to prescribe off-label for families who want their children vaccinated.

Can I get more than one Covid booster this year? If you're moderately or severely immunocompromised, you can get boosters with a minimum of two months between doses. For example, you could get one in September and another before the winter surge.

Updated August 27, 2025