The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated Covid-19 vaccines targeting the prevalent LP.8.1 coronavirus subvariant for the 2025 and 2026 seasons but restricted their use to adults 65 and older or individuals with underlying health conditions. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax received these approvals with varying age indications. Concurrently, CDC director Susan Monarez was ousted amid leadership chaos and disagreements over vaccine policy, raising concerns about the agency's pandemic preparedness. The CDC's recommendation for COVID vaccination has shifted toward shared decision-making for healthy individuals, especially children. These regulatory shifts coincide with rising SARS-CoV-2 cases and ongoing public health debates. FDA and CDC's updated positions will influence vaccine accessibility and uptake in vulnerable populations.