The position paper combines scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of the available COVID-19 vaccines and replaces the previous provisional WHO recommendations. The focus is on preventing severe illness and death. In doing so, the WHO takes into account the high level of immunity that has now developed in the population through vaccinations and infections, as well as the waning additional protection following vaccination.
“Even though media attention has declined significantly, COVID-19 remains a serious infectious disease,” says Henning Jacobsen. “While the risk of severe illness is now significantly lower for many people than it was at the start of the pandemic, up-to-date vaccine protection remains very important for those at particularly high risk. The updated WHO recommendations help ensure that vaccination programs are targeted where they are most beneficial.”
The WHO urges member states to prioritize regular vaccination programs for people at the highest risk. This includes the very elderly, older adults with relevant underlying medical conditions or severe obesity, residents of long-term care facilities, and people aged six months and older with moderate or severe immunodeficiency. Countries are to set their own age thresholds; for the very elderly, for example, the WHO cites 75 or 80 years of age.
For these groups, the WHO recommends at least one vaccine dose per year, preferably two administered approximately six months apart. Cost-effectiveness and practical feasibility should also be taken into account during national implementation.
Depending on the situation in each country, additional groups may be included: for example, older adults without relevant underlying medical conditions, younger people at increased health risk, and health and care workers in direct contact with particularly vulnerable individuals. For pregnant women, the WHO vaccination schedule recommends one dose, preferably during the second trimester, to protect both mother and child.
With the upcoming cold and flu season, protection against respiratory infections is once again becoming a greater focus. However, SARS-CoV-2 circulates year-round; according to the WHO, a reliably predictable seasonal pattern has not yet been established. If both vaccinations are indicated, COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be administered at the same appointment at different injection sites.
In Germany, vaccination decisions are guided by the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). Since its update in July 2026, STIKO has recommended annual routine COVID-19 vaccination for people aged 75 and older; in addition, there are vaccination recommendations for people with certain underlying medical conditions. Vaccination should preferably take place in late summer or early fall. Anyone who belongs to a risk group should consult with their treating physician to determine which vaccinations and the appropriate intervals between them are appropriate on an individual basis.
