The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, but with specific restrictions on who can receive them. The vaccines are now authorized for adults aged 65 and older, as well as for individuals between the ages of 5 and 64 who have at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19.

Pfizer's updated vaccine received approval, but access may be complicated for many Americans. The company announced that its vaccine is available for all seniors, but the FDA limited its use for younger adults and children to those with high-risk health conditions, such as asthma or obesity. This change could create barriers for millions who would need to demonstrate their health risks to qualify for vaccination.

Health officials have not confirmed the details, but they typically approve updated vaccines from the leading manufacturers simultaneously. Moderna has not yet commented on the situation. The updated vaccines are designed to target a newer variant of the virus and are expected to begin shipping immediately. However, it may take days or weeks for many Americans to learn if they can access the vaccines, as this will depend on decisions made by federal health advisers, private insurers, pharmacies, and state authorities.

The new restrictions mark a shift from previous U.S. policy, which recommended annual COVID-19 vaccinations for all individuals aged 6 months and older. This change reflects a growing skepticism about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the necessity of yearly booster shots, as expressed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, both of whom have been critical of widespread vaccination efforts.

Some medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have raised concerns about the new limitations. They argue that these restrictions may hinder access to vaccines for families wishing to protect their children. Last week, the Academy recommended annual COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 2 years and advised them for older children. This recommendation contrasts with the latest guidance from Kennedy, which does not advocate for vaccinations for healthy children of any age but allows for them in consultation with healthcare providers.

As many countries have reduced their COVID-19 vaccination efforts in recent years, some U.S. experts believe that the new approach is reasonable, given that a significant portion of the American population has some level of protection from prior vaccinations or infections.