HARTFORD, Conn.— October is the best month to get respiratory virus vaccines to protect yourself and your family during peak cold and flu season, which typically starts in October and peaks in December through February. Getting vaccinated now allows your body the necessary two weeks to develop full protection before flu, RSV, and COVID cases begin to rise, ensuring you are prepared and protected when the viruses are most active.
On Monday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) to apply individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination. In Connecticut, everyone six months and older can receive a COVID-19 shot without a prescription. A pharmacist may continue to order, prescribe and administer all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to any patient 18 years or older or for children with parental consent. For coverage details, please contact your insurance company.
"Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe COVID-19 and that is why our guidance at DPH is similar to those issued in previous years," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "Monday we sent notification to Connecticut Vaccine Program providers that they can begin placing COVID vaccine orders, which we anticipate will arrive early next week. Over the next few weeks, parents of young children ages six months to 18-years-old can get their children vaccinated at their pediatrician or primary care provider, but we advise to reach out in advance to ensure the shot is available."
"Pharmacies continue to be the frontline of COVID-19 vaccine administration in our state for adults 18 and older, and for minors aged 3 and older with parental consent," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "It's simple: If you want to get a vaccine in Connecticut, you can. Pharmacists can continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines to those who want them, and many pharmacies offer the ability to sign up for a vaccine online. If you are uncertain if your pharmacy or pharmacist is participating in COVID-19 vaccine administration for minors under 18, we recommend calling ahead to ensure availability."
CT DPH strongly urges providers to discuss vaccination with patients and parents/guardians and to encourage COVID-19 vaccination based on risk and shared clinical decision making. To be clear, without immunity provided by the most updated COVID vaccine, every individual is at higher risk of acquiring COVID and experiencing greater impacts from the disease. Last month, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued guidance similar to previous years, recommending that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages. This interactive, user-friendly guide has everything residents need to know
The following 2025-2026 vaccines received FDA approval for use:
- Moderna’s SPIKEVAX for those 65 and older and for those 6 months to 64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
- Moderna’s MNEXSPIKE for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
- Pfizer’s COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine was approved for those 65 and older and for those 5-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
- Novavax’s NUVAXOVID for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
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