NC Medicaid Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines for 2026-2027 Season

NC Medicaid has released updated COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for the 2026-2027 season, targeting the JN.1 lineage with the FDA preferentially recommending the LP.8.1 strain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine for all adults aged 18 and older, with vaccination for ages 6 months through 17 recommended through shared clinical decision-making.