US FDA narrow under 65 COVID vaccine eligibility; full access for older citizens

28/8/2025 6:28

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over age 65 but narrowed its approval for younger people to those with health risks, the companies said on Wednesday, in a shift from prior years when most people were eligible for the inoculations.



The three approved shots are made by Pfizer with German partner BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax with Sanofi.



"Today’s decision does not affect access to these vaccines. These vaccines remain available to those who choose them in consultation with their healthcare provider," a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said, without elaboration.



Pfizer, the biggest maker of the shots, said the 2022 emergency use authorization for its COVID vaccine for children under age 5 had been rescinded.



Moderna's updated Spikevax shot was approved for people aged 6 months and up with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk from COVID, according to the company. The company said it would be available in the coming days.