Vaccine: COVID-19
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COVID-19 Vaccine Providers
Planning and guidance for providing COVID-19 vaccine.
On this page:
Overview of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and schedules
Vaccination resources
Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccination Guide (PDF)
Information for the 2025-26 respiratory season for providers who handle or administer COVID-19 vaccine. This guide summarizes vaccination recommendations, gives tips on vaccine administration, storage, and handling, and provides additional resources.
Updated 09/19/2025
Overview of the COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and schedules
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved and fully licensed four 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer), Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE (Moderna), and Nuvaxovid (Novavax). There are no COVID-19 vaccines licensed under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Each vaccine is licensed with specific age and risk group indications. Risk indications include at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. A list of high-risk underlying conditions can be found at CDC: Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19. Refer to the vaccine manufacturer’s package insert for additional details on each vaccine. Package inserts can be found at Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States.
MDH endorses existing evidence-based guidance from independent experts and professional organizations such as:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for Ages 18 Years or Younger (PDF) or AAP-Immunization-Schedule – Notes section for COVID-19.
- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Immunizations & Vaccines
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care
A summary of these recommendations is listed in the table below.
2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by group
| Group | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Children 6 through 23 months | AAP: All children in this age group should be vaccinated with the 2025–26 COVID-19 formula, regardless of prior vaccination or infection history. Children should receive or complete the initial series. Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. Hospitalization rates in this group are high and are comparable to adults 50 to 64 years old. AAFP: Aligns with AAP. |
| Children 2 through 18 years | AAP: One dose recommended for certain children (those with underlying medical conditions, in long-term care/congregate settings, never vaccinated, or living with high-risk household members). For more information visit COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions. Vaccination may also be offered outside these groups if parents/guardians request. Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. AAFP: Aligns with AAP. |
| Adults 19 years and older | AAFP: All adults 19 years and older should be vaccinated, including pregnant women. This is especially important for adults 65 years of age and older, adults with medical conditions that increase risk of severe COVID-19, and those who were never vaccinated. Adults who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. |
| Adults 65 years and older | AAFP: Strong recommendation that all adults 65 years and older receive COVID-19 vaccination and a second dose 6 months later (minimum interval 2 months). Adults who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to have at least two doses depending on their vaccination history. |
| Pregnancy related | ACOG and AAFP: Recommend vaccination during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating based on strong evidence of safety and protection for both the pregnant person and the baby. |
Note that the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America are also expected to release additional guidance on adults, and on patients with immunocompromising conditions. Further details regarding the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including information for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, can be found in the links to professional association recommendations or in the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Guide (PDF).
Vaccination resources
- Immunization Best Practices
Information and resources for managing vaccine, screening and assessing patients, educating patients, Vaccine Protocols, administering vaccines, documenting vaccinations, and billing as well as information on how to plan a mobile vaccination site and consideration for transporting vaccine. - Immunization Delivery in Pharmacy Settings
Vaccination resources specifically for the pharmacy setting. - MIIC User Guidance and Training Resources
How-to guides and training videos for the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC). - Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
Child and adolescent vaccine administration tips, including ideas for reaching the most disadvantaged. - Common Health Coalition: Vaccine resources
Tailored toolkits for payers, providers, and state leaders to support coordinated vaccine planning and access.