Title: Navigating the New Landscape of COVID Vaccines: What You Need to Know About Getting Your Booster Shot This Year The landscape of COVID vaccinations has changed significantly this year, making it more challenging than ever before to get your booster shot. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has narrowed its approval for the shots to only certain groups – those 65 years old and above, as well as people at high risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19. This is a stark contrast to previous years when vaccines were approved for anyone six months or older. The Trump administration’s health officials argue that most otherwise healthy younger individuals have built up enough immunity through natural exposure and past vaccinations, making annual boosters unnecessary. However, many doctors’ groups maintain that getting a booster shot is still beneficial in avoiding serious illness or spreading it to others who may be high-risk. As a result of these changes, securing a COVID vaccine has become more difficult than before. In the past, one could simply walk into a pharmacy and request a vaccination without any issues. Now, however, you might be turned away if you don’t meet the criteria set by the FDA. So what does this mean for those seeking a booster shot? Firstly, it means that self-attestation may become an essential tool in proving eligibility. This involves simply telling your pharmacist about any risk factors or indicating them when scheduling your vaccination appointment. In many cases, no documentation is required to support this claim. However, some pharmacies still require a doctor’s prescription for administering the vaccine. It remains uncertain whether these requirements will continue indefinitely; they may be lifted after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues specific recommendations on who should receive vaccinations. The CDC advisory committee responsible for making such decisions is scheduled to meet on September 18-19. In conclusion, navigating the new landscape of COVID vaccines can be challenging due to stricter eligibility criteria and potential pharmacy requirements. However, by understanding these changes and being prepared with information about your risk factors or obtaining a doctor’s prescription if necessary, you can increase your chances of successfully securing a booster shot this year.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/13/nx-s1-5540088/covid-vaccine-2025-cdc-fda-guidelines)
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