Health insurers say they will continue to provide coverage for recommended immunizations without cost-sharing through 2026.
“Health plans are committed to maintaining and ensuring affordable access to vaccines,” AHIP said Sept. 16. “Coverage decisions for immunizations are grounded in ongoing, rigorous review of scientific and clinical evidence, and continual evaluation of multiple sources of data.”
All vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as of Sept. 1, 2025, including updated COVID-19 and influenza shots, will remain covered at no cost to patients through the end of next year. AHIP emphasized that plans will continue to apply an evidence-based approach to vaccine coverage decisions while navigating evolving federal and state laws.
The announcement comes amid mounting scrutiny of U.S. vaccine policy and access. On Sept. 15, HHS appointed five new members to ACIP ahead of its Sept. 18-19 meeting to vote on recommendations for vaccines against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
In June, HHS removed all 17 standing ACIP members and replaced them with eight handpicked appointees. One resigned over financial conflicts of interest, while several others have drawn criticism for sharing anti-vaccine rhetoric or making unfounded claims.
The committee’s delayed guidance has spurred several states to take independent steps to expand access to vaccines for the fall respiratory virus season. Those moves follow the FDA’s decision to limit approval of updated COVID-19 shots to individuals 65 and older and high-risk patients, a restriction that healthcare groups say risks confusion and reduced uptake.
Florida’s health department has also proposed new rules to eliminate school-based vaccine mandates for chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib influenza and pneumococcal diseases, with additional changes requiring legislative action.
Amid the evolving policies, CVS Health has suspended some vaccine offerings and requires prescriptions in at least 16 states, while Walgreens has imposed similar limits.
