The latest COVID vaccines come with new FDA restrictions

By Rob Stein,

Leila Fadel

Published August 28, 2025 at 4:04 AM EDT

The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, but is restricting eligibility to those at risk for serious complications. That includes anyone age 65 and older and younger people with other health issues. The new limitations could make it much harder for many people to get vaccinated.

Rob Stein

Rob Stein is a correspondent and senior editor on NPR's science desk.

See stories by Rob Stein

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.

DONATE