Family Doctors Push for Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Access Ahead of CDC Meeting

As of September 9, 2025, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has issued new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, going beyond the current federal guidance. The AAFP is now advising that all adults aged 18 and older, as well as children between 6 and 23 months, should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. The group is particularly urging seniors aged 65 and older, people aged 2 to 64 with risk factors, and pregnant individuals to get vaccinated.

While the AAFP is not recommending shots for all children, it says vaccines should be made available to any family that wants them. This contrasts with the current Food and Drug Administration authorization, which only allows COVID-19 shots for adults 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions.

The AAFP's push for expanded vaccine eligibility comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices prepares to meet on September 18-19 to discuss the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-26 season. In the absence of a final CDC recommendation, access to the shots has varied widely across the states, with some requiring prescriptions for most people to get vaccinated.

Additionally, there are questions about whether insurance companies will cover the cost of COVID-19 shots that are not recommended by the CDC advisory committee. The AAFP maintains that the vaccines should remain covered by private insurance regardless of the CDC's guidance, emphasizing the importance of continued vaccination to protect public health.