School is back in session, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and the flu season is just around the corner.
With autumn comes the familiar cycle of stuffy noses, persistent coughs, and reminders to get your seasonal vaccines. But are these shots actually available yet?
The short answer: The flu shot is largely here, while the COVID-19 vaccine is almost ready.
The 2026-27 Flu Shot Has Arrived
Major pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are already advertising their seasonal flu vaccination services. Because it is still early in the season, it is a good idea to confirm local stock, but finding a dose shouldn’t be difficult.
Sanofi, a major U.S. flu vaccine supplier, began rolling out its shipments nationwide in July as scheduled, a company representative shared with PolitiFact.
Doctor’s offices are also beginning to receive their supplies.
Dr. Jason Terk, a pediatrician based in Keller, Texas, and past president of the Texas Pediatric Society, noted that his office has received injectable flu vaccines, though nasal spray options have not yet arrived.
“We will ramp up our flu vaccine provision activities once we have received all of our influenza vaccinations which typically happens starting in September,” he explained.
The updated vaccines were developed after the Food and Drug Administration issued its formula guidelines in March, aligning with recommendations set by the World Health Organization.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Are on the Way
As of late August, the new COVID-19 shots were not yet stocked on pharmacy shelves or in medical offices, though they are expected to arrive shortly.
While federal regulators have authorized the vaccines broadly and instructed manufacturers on which formula to produce, the FDA has not yet finalized all the administrative approvals required for the 2026-27 rollout, creating a temporary bottleneck in distribution.
“Unfortunately, we do not know when updated COVID vaccines will be available, but pharmacies have already started pre-booking so once the manufacturers are ready to ship, pharmacies will receive them,” said Brigid Groves, vice president of professional affairs for the American Pharmacists Association.
Groves pointed out that this timeline mirrors last year’s rollout, when the FDA issued final approval letters on August 27, 2025.
Consequently, anyone hoping to receive both their flu and COVID-19 immunizations during a single doctor’s visit will need to exercise a bit more patience.
Will Insurance Cover Both Vaccines?
While it is always wise to double-check with your specific provider, the answer is expected to be yes.
Major health insurers and industry groups—including Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and AHIP—have confirmed that their health plans will continue covering both flu and COVID-19 shots entirely free of charge for members.
When is the Ideal Time to Get Vaccinated?
According to Groves, September and October are the optimal months to receive updated protection against both the flu and COVID-19, echoing recommendations from previous years.
Terk advises that it is generally safe and beneficial for children to get immunized as soon as fall doses become available. Putting it off often leads to families forgetting to do it altogether.
“There is no reason to delay getting your child vaccinated once vaccines are available,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Terk’s pediatric practice strongly encourages both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for every eligible patient, as well as their parents.
“The data are quite clear that vaccination substantially reduces the risk for influenza and COVID-19 related hospitalizations and complications,” he said, “especially among more vulnerable populations who have underlying conditions that enhance their risk.”