Everything to Know About the COVID 19 Vaccines in 2025

What are the names of the COVID-19 vaccines?
There are multiple COVID vaccines available to the public. This includes RNA and DNA-based vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. AstraZeneca and other companies have also developed adenovirus vector vaccines for COVID 19.

What did Trump say about COVID vaccines?
The initial wave of COVID vaccines were developed as part of Operation Warp Speed, a program created by President Trump during his first term. In 2025, during his second term, President Trump published a statement on Truth Social demanding that the companies that developed vaccines from the program show the public the data they had shown him proving the vaccines’ effectiveness.

Is there a new 2025-26 COVID vaccine?
The COVID-19 virus continues to spread across the world, although at levels lower than during the height of the pandemic. The virus also continues to mutate, with new strains appearing regularly. As such, FDA did approve a new formula for COVID vaccines in May, 2025, to protect against the latest known strains.

Do you still need the COVID vaccine in 2025?
There is some controversy surrounding the necessity of the COVID vaccine in 2025. HHS and FDA have approved new vaccines but the CDC adjusted the eligibility requirements for these vaccines. However, the AAP and ACOG broke with CDC and continue to recommend that children and pregnant women get vaccinated (unless there are other health issues at play).

How long do COVID vaccines last?
According to health experts, COVID vaccines are most effective for the first three months. After that, it is likely necessary to stay up to date with COVID boosters about every six months. It’s also important to remember that new strains of COVID still appear and boosters may not cover the new strains.

Is FDA anti-mRNA vaccines?
In August, 2025, HHS announced a pull back and reduction in funding for mRNA-based projects. This resulted in an estimated $500 million in cancelled contracts. HHS Secretary Kennedy has expressed concerns that mRNA vaccines may not be effective and may promote viral mutation. However, health experts inside and out of the industry have disputed these claims.

How long has mRNA been around?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) was first discovered in the ‘60s, and researchers began developing methods to deliver it to cells in the ‘70s. The first mRNA vaccine for the flu was tested on mice in the ‘90s. Human testing began in 2013.

Who can get a COVID shot this fall?
According to the CDC’s updated eligibility guidelines, people over 65 are eligible to get the COVID vaccine. Also, anyone 6 month or older has a high risk health condition is also eligible.

Do all COVID vaccines have mRNA in them?
While there are multiple COVID vaccines made with mRNA technology, there are also other options. The other major type of vaccines are made with adenovirus vector. There are also nasal-spray based vaccines in development as of fall 2025.