2026 summer COVID-19 surge
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New COVID and flu strains circulating; new vaccines guidance
A federal judge ruled in March that the anti-vaccine allies Kennedy installed on the CDC's vaccine advisory panel were illegally appointed and unfit to serve.
Major insurance plans have agreed to continue covering vaccines previously recommended by the CDC's advisory panel at no charge through at least the end of 2027.
The FDA has approved updated flu and COVID-19 shots for the fall 2026 season.
FDA approves updated Covid-19 vaccines for XFG variant
Current Covid-19 activity level tracked via testing and wastewater monitoring is low, but rising in recent weeks.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for those age five and older with underlying conditions.
The Novavax-Sanofi vaccine is approved for those 12 and up with underlying conditions.
Summer Surge of COVID-19 Cases Reported Across the United States
Dr. Michael Mina said the summer surge starts year after year at a national level in early or mid-July.
Dr. Andrew Handel said the virus's evolution is likely driving the increase in breakthrough infections.
Amanda Bidwell said SARS-CoV-2 concentrations are lower than at this time last year but trending upward across the country.
“With COVID, we also have a shorter-lasting immunity ... There's enough of a waning in immunity that six months after your initial infection in the winter, people tend to get another maybe less robust, less severe infection in the summer.”