Which COVID variants are around in winter 2026 and who can get a vaccine?

The coronavirus pandemic is a distant memory, but coronavirus is here to stay. Which variants are kicking around this winter, and who is eligible for a free vaccine?

XFG Stratus, Nimbus and Cicada

It’s not an emergency, but as with every year since 2020, winter is approaching, and coronavirus cases are rising. This year, three variants are circulating: XFG Stratus, Nimbus and Cicada. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated these variants as low risk. 

Those developing XFG Stratus report fever, cough, headaches, a sore throat and even diarrhoea, while those with the Nimbus and Cicada strains report fewer symptoms, mainly a sore throat. The XFG Stratus strain, however, spreads much faster.

As long as they are still in date, older at-home coronavirus tests can still detect all three strains. You can buy new tests at most pharmacies or supermarkets.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), more than 95 percent of adults now have broad immune protection, either through vaccination, previous infection or a combination of both, which generally provides healthy people with sufficient protection against severe disease.

Who can get a corona vaccine in Germany in 2026?

Germany’s Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) regularly updates the list of groups eligible for a coronavirus vaccine covered by statutory health insurance. 

Amendments depend on who is considered at risk. For example, during the pandemic, almost everyone over the age of 12 was eligible. But now, because of broad immune protection, only certain vulnerable groups are eligible.

Currently, healthy adults are not eligible to receive a primary coronavirus vaccine as a matter of course, and only specific at-risk groups and all adults over 75 are eligible for a booster vaccine.

These at-risk groups include people with specific chronic illnesses, people caring for vulnerable people and people working in care facilities.