Key takeaways:
The 2025-2026 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) is FDA approved for adults ages 65 and older and those ages 5 to 64 at higher risk of severe COVID.
You can find appointments for the Pfizer COVID vaccine near you by searching the VaxAssist online vaccine finder. You can also ask a local pharmacy if they have it in stock.
If you’ve decided to get a COVID vaccine this year, you should be able to get one. But it’s still a good idea to check with your pharmacy or health department for their requirements.
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The 2025-2026 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty) is one of four COVID vaccines available for the upcoming respiratory illness season. This year, the Pfizer vaccine is made to work against the LP.8.1 subvariant of the virus that causes COVID.
Below is more information about the 2025-2026 Pfizer COVID vaccine and how to find an appointment near you.
Updated Pfizer vaccine key takeaways
Here’s what you need to know about the updated Pfizer COVID vaccine:
It’s a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine given to help prevent COVID.
The 2025-2026 Pfizer COVID vaccine is FDA approved for people ages 65 and older and for those ages 5 to 64 at higher risk of severe COVID.
Most people need only one dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine during the 2025-2026 season.
If you’ve recently received a COVID vaccine, it’s recommended to wait at least 2 months before getting the 2025-2026 Pfizer vaccine.
Some people with weakened immune systems may need more than one dose, depending on their age and vaccination history.
This year, the Pfizer COVID vaccine is approved for more limited groups than prior years. But you should still be able to get it even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category. Check with your pharmacy or health department for their requirements.
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Scheduling your Pfizer COVID vaccine appointment
First, find a place to receive your shot. Then make an appointment with that location directly. To find a Pfizer COVID vaccine appointment near you, use the VaxAssist vaccine finder tool from Pfizer.
Select your vaccine(s): Select up to two vaccines to schedule — including COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For convenience, you can get more than one vaccine during the same appointment, such as your COVID and flu shots.
Select your preferred manufacturer: Select “Pfizer-BioNTech” for the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
Set your location: Use your current location, or type in your address or ZIP code to find vaccine locations near you.
Find an appointment: Browse available appointment times and select one that works best for you. You’ll then be redirected to book your appointment directly with the vaccine provider.
Frequently asked questions
Most people only need one updated Pfizer COVID vaccine dose for the 2025-2026 season. But if you have a weakened immune system, your healthcare team may recommend additional doses. Talk to them about your vaccine eligibility, doses, and timing.
The Pfizer COVID vaccine helps protect people from getting very sick from COVID. After you get the vaccine, protection is typically strongest for the first few months but can slowly decrease over time. This is especially the case as the virus changes and new variants appear.
For this reason, the COVID vaccines are typically updated every year to keep your immune system ready for the latest variants. Most people get one vaccine dose, but others may be advised to get additional doses to boost protection.
The Pfizer COVID vaccine should be free for many people with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. But it’s still a good idea to check with your specific plan regarding coverage.
Most people only need one updated Pfizer COVID vaccine dose for the 2025-2026 season. But if you have a weakened immune system, your healthcare team may recommend additional doses. Talk to them about your vaccine eligibility, doses, and timing.
The Pfizer COVID vaccine helps protect people from getting very sick from COVID. After you get the vaccine, protection is typically strongest for the first few months but can slowly decrease over time. This is especially the case as the virus changes and new variants appear.
For this reason, the COVID vaccines are typically updated every year to keep your immune system ready for the latest variants. Most people get one vaccine dose, but others may be advised to get additional doses to boost protection.
The Pfizer COVID vaccine should be free for many people with commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. But it’s still a good idea to check with your specific plan regarding coverage.
The bottom line
The 2025-2026 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for this fall and winter. It’s FDA approved for adults ages 65 and older and those ages 5 to 64 at higher risk of severe COVID. But even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category, you may still decide to get the vaccine. Check with your pharmacy or health department for their requirements.
You can search for Pfizer COVID vaccine appointments using the VaxAssist vaccine locator tool. Specify your vaccine preference and location to see appointment availability near you.
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References
AHIP. (2025). AHIP statement on vaccine coverage.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). CDC immunization schedule adopts individual-based decision-making for COVID-19 and standalone vaccination for chickenpox in toddlers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Variants and genomic surveillance.
Pfizer Laboratories div Pfizer. (2025). Comirnaty- covid-19 vaccine, mrna injection, suspension [package insert].
