![Close-up photograph of a box of COVID-19 vaccines, held by a blurry set of hands. The box reads: "COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA [...] 2025-2026 formula [...] For 65 years and older / For 12 years through 64 years at high-risk for severe COVID-19"](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/25c0aee/2147483647/strip/true/crop/599x399+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd7%2F65%2Facfa43544426b5934dc501006fdf%2Fcovid-vaccine.jpeg)
The new guidance allows the vaccine to be given by prescription or under a "prescriber-approved protocol," which functions like a blanket approval with defined limits that apply broadly rather than to individual patients. Populations approved to receive the vaccine include those 65 and older as well as those with conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC's list of risk factors includes conditions ranging from cancer and asthma to depression and physical inactivity.
Kentuckians seeking the updated vaccine have reported mixed results. While many (the author included) have found the process to be the same as previous years', others have encountered obstacles like insurance denying coverage for "off label" use or people twelve and under being turned away.
Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 season are now available at pharmacies across the state, including Kroger, CVS, and UK Healthcare pharmacies.