2026 summer COVID-19 surge
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New COVID and flu strains circulating; new vaccines guidance
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.
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.
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 Moderna shot is approved for children older than six months with underlying conditions.
The updated vaccines are approved for individuals 65 and older.
Summer Surge of COVID-19 Cases Reported Across the United States
Data from COVID-NET shows a consistent uptick in COVID-19 cases beginning in July and continuing until around September as early as the 2022 season.
Data from WastewaterSCAN shows COVID-19 August levels up 105% compared to July.
Dr. Andrew Handel said the virus's evolution is likely driving the increase in breakthrough infections.
“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.”