39 Summer Fonts That Really ‘Sizzle’ In this article:See more ▼Post may contain affiliate links which give us commissions at no cost to you.As a graphic designer who lives for those long, lazy summer days, I can’t help but get excited when it’s time to break out the summer fonts. There’s something absolutely magical about typography that captures the essence of sunshine, beach vibes, and endless possibilities. Summer fonts are more than just pretty letters on a screen – they’re visual vacation postcards that transport viewers straight to sandy beaches, backyard barbecues, and those perfect golden hour moments. I’ve spent countless hours (probably too many!) curating the perfect collection of typefaces that embody everything we love about the warmest season of the year. Whether you’re designing festival posters, ice cream shop branding, or social media graphics that scream “summer vibes,” the right font can make all the difference. It’s not just about looking good (though these fonts absolutely do); it’s about evoking that carefree, sun-kissed feeling that makes summer so special. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the most sizzling summer fonts of 2025, explore what makes a font feel summery, and discover how to use these typefaces to bring that vacation energy to any project. So grab your favorite cold drink, find a spot in the shade, and let’s embark on this typographic summer adventure together! 👋 Psst... Did you know you can get unlimited downloads of 59,000+ fonts and millions of other creative assets for just $16.95/mo? Learn more »The Hottest Summer Fonts of 2025 Not all fonts are created equal when it comes to capturing that perfect summer essence. I’ve handpicked the most vibrant, energetic typefaces that’ll make your designs feel like a breath of fresh ocean air. Here are my top picks: Summer Sunshine Summer Sunshine is a vibrant decorative font that exudes warmth and cheer. Its playful letterforms and sunny aesthetic make it perfect for summer-themed designs and joyful projects.Summer Days Summer Days is a lively script font that captures the essence of carefree summer vibes. Its fluid, handwritten style and energetic character make it ideal for creating designs with a fresh and vibrant feel.Get 300+ Fonts for FREEEnter your email to download our 100% free "Font Lover's Bundle". For commercial & personal use. No royalties. No fees. No attribution. 100% free to use anywhere. Summer Crab Summer Crab is a unique serif font with a handwritten twist, perfect for summer-themed typography. Its quirky design combines elegance with a touch of whimsy, making it suitable for both formal and casual summer projects.Sunrise Waves Sunrise Waves is a brushy sans-serif font that evokes the calm and beauty of a beach at dawn. Its smooth lines and balanced proportions make it versatile for various summer and coastal-themed designs.Summer Wednesday Summer Wednesday is a charming script font that captures the essence of lazy summer days. Its relaxed, handwritten style is perfect for creating designs with a casual, vacation-like atmosphere.Summers Typeface + BONUS vector Summers Typeface is a versatile script font that comes with bonus vector elements. Its flowing monoline letterforms and additional graphics make it an excellent choice for creating comprehensive summer-themed designs and branding materials.Sunroof & Summer Sunroof & Summer is a carefree handwritten font that embodies the spirit of summer road trips. Its natural, spontaneous style is perfect for creating designs with a laid-back and adventurous feel.Summerica Typeface Summerica Typeface is a playful serif font with a hint of nostalgia. Its unique blend of classic and whimsical elements makes it ideal for summer holiday designs and retro-inspired projects.Summer Heaven Summer Heaven is a delightful script font that radiates warmth and happiness. Its sunny disposition and fluid letterforms make it perfect for creating designs that evoke the joy of perfect summer days.Summer – Handwriting Font Summer is a versatile handwriting font that combines sans-serif elements with a script-like flow. Its natural, easy-going style makes it suitable for a wide range of summer-themed designs and personal projects.AL – Blue Season AL – Blue Season is a refreshing cursive font that captures the essence of cool summer breezes. Its flowing letterforms and subtle blue hues make it perfect for creating designs with a calm, seasonal atmosphere.Summer Fruits – Layered Font Summer Fruits is a playful layered font that adds depth and vibrancy to designs. Its fruity aesthetic and customizable layers make it ideal for creating eye-catching summer-themed typography and graphics.Sunburned Tropic – Summer Brush Font Sunburned Tropic is a bold brush font that exudes tropical summer vibes. Its rough, organic texture and energetic strokes make it perfect for creating designs with a beachy, sun-soaked feel.FLIES SUMMER FLIES SUMMER is a modern sans-serif display font with a unique twist. Its clean lines and subtle summer-inspired details make it versatile for various design projects, from branding to editorial layouts.Summer Festival Summer Festival is a lively decorative fun font that captures the excitement of outdoor events. Its playful letterforms and festive character make it ideal for creating designs for summer concerts, fairs, and celebrations.Summer Journey Summer Journey is a versatile font that combines decorative and sans-serif elements. Its unique design evokes a sense of adventure, making it perfect for travel-themed projects and summer vacation designs.Summer Times Summer Times is a chunky, fun script font that radiates positivity with its mid-century font style. Its bold letterforms and playful style make it excellent for creating eye-catching headlines and designs with a cheerful summer vibe.Summer Foliage Font Summer Foliage Font is a nature-inspired typeface that blends sans-serif and script elements. Its organic shapes and leafy details make it perfect for creating designs with a fresh, summery botanical theme.Summer Dust Font Summer Dust Font is a clean and airy typeface that combines sans-serif and handwritten styles. Its light, breezy character makes it ideal for creating designs with a soft, summery atmosphere.Summer Splash Summer Splash is a vibrant splashy water font with a decorative flair. Its energetic letterforms and splashy details make it perfect for creating designs that evoke the fun and excitement of summer water activities.Summer Vibes Summer Vibes is a relaxed sans-serif font with a handwritten feel. Its casual style and subtle imperfections make it ideal for creating designs with a laid-back, beachy atmosphere.Summer Dance Summer Dance is a lively script font with decorative elements. Its fluid, rhythmic letterforms make it perfect for creating designs that convey movement and joy, ideal for summer event promotions.Summer Show Summer Show is a bold display font that combines sans-serif and decorative features. Its striking design and summer-inspired details make it excellent for creating eye-catching headlines and promotional materials.Summer Tropics Summer Tropics is a fun and chunky script font that exudes tropical vibes. Its playful letterforms and bold character make it perfect for creating designs with a lively, vacation-like atmosphere.Summer Diary Summer Diary is a charming decorative font with a personal touch. Its handwritten-style letterforms and subtle embellishments make it ideal for creating designs that evoke memories of summer adventures.Salty Bash Handwriting Script Salty Bash is a carefree handwriting script with a beachy vibe. Its natural flow and slightly weathered appearance make it perfect for creating designs with a relaxed, coastal feel.Summer Flash Summer Flash is a dynamic decorative font with a sense of energy and movement. Its bold, eye-catching design makes it ideal for creating impactful summer-themed headlines and promotional materials.Summer Tropica – Playful Font Summer Tropica is a fun and vibrant font that combines script and sans-serif elements. Its playful character and tropical flair make it perfect for creating designs with a lively summer atmosphere.Ocean – Hand Writing Summer Font Ocean is a refreshing wavy font with a beachy feel. Its natural flow and subtle irregularities make it ideal for creating designs that evoke the relaxed atmosphere of seaside vacations.Summer Party Summer Party is an energetic script font that captures the excitement of summer festivities. Its lively letterforms and dynamic style make it perfect for creating designs for summer events and celebrations.Summer Funny – Summer Display Font Summer Funny is a quirky and playful display font with a chunky design. Its fun character and bold presence make it ideal for creating eye-catching headlines and designs with a lighthearted summer vibe.Summer Lemonade + Extras Summer Lemonade is a refreshing script font that comes with extra design elements. Its crisp, fluid letterforms and additional graphics make it perfect for creating comprehensive summer-themed branding and designs.Tropical Summer Font Tropical Summer Font is an exotic blend of script and decorative elements. Its lush, organic design and tropical motifs make it ideal for creating designs with a vibrant, paradise-like atmosphere.Fest Summer Font Fest Summer Font is a bold and chunky script that radiates fun and excitement. Its playful letterforms and energetic style make it perfect for creating designs for summer festivals and outdoor events.Fresh Kids – Fun Display Font Fresh Kids is a lively bubble font designed with children in mind. Its playful character and cheerful design make it ideal for creating kid-friendly summer designs and educational materials.Summer Blaze – Summer Brush Font Summer Blaze is an energetic brush font that captures the heat of summer. Its bold strokes and dynamic character make it perfect for creating designs with a sun-soaked, beachy vibe.Beach Vibe – Summer font Beach Vibe is a laid-back sans-serif font with a summer twist. Its relaxed style and subtle coastal elements make it ideal for creating designs with a cool, holiday atmosphere.SUMMER QUICK – Fun Font SUMMER QUICK is a lively sans-serif display font with a fun, casual feel. Its quirky letterforms and energetic style make it perfect for creating designs with a spontaneous summer vibe.Benji Holidas Summer Display Font Benji Holidas is a charming decorative font with a summery disposition. Its unique letterforms and playful design make it ideal for creating eye-catching headlines and designs for summer holidays and events.What Makes a Font Feel Like Summer? Ever wondered what gives certain fonts that unmistakable summer vibe? It’s not magic (though it might feel like it) – there are specific design elements that trigger those warm, sunny associations in our minds. Relaxed, Flowing Letterforms Summer fonts often feature loose, organic shapes that mirror the laid-back nature of the season. Think flowing scripts that feel like ocean waves or casual handwritten styles that look like they were penned on a beach towel. These relaxed letterforms create an instant sense of ease and vacation mode. The beauty lies in their imperfection – slightly uneven baselines, varying letter sizes, and that wonderful hand-drawn quality that says “life’s too short to stress about perfect alignment.” Bright, Energetic Personality Summer fonts radiate energy and optimism. They’re the typographic equivalent of a sunny day – bold when they need to be, playful in their character variations, and always ready to put a smile on your face. Many summer fonts incorporate fun details like decorative flourishes, tropical motifs, or beach-inspired elements that add personality and charm. These little touches transform ordinary letters into summer storytelling devices. Vintage Beach Resort Vibes There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about classic summer typography. Fonts that reference vintage surf culture, retro vacation postcards, or mid-century beach resort signage tap into our collective summer memories. These typefaces often feature bold, confident letterforms with a touch of that authentic vintage wear – like sun-faded signs that have weathered countless summers and still look absolutely perfect. Where to Use Summer Fonts Summer fonts are incredibly versatile, bringing that vacation energy to a wide range of design applications. Their cheerful, relaxed nature makes them perfect for projects that want to feel approachable and fun. Event and Festival Branding Summer fonts are absolute stars when it comes to music festivals, beach parties, food truck events, and outdoor celebrations. Their energetic personality helps capture the excitement and community spirit of summer gatherings. From concert posters that need to grab attention from across a crowded street to wristbands that become summer souvenirs, the right summer font sets the perfect tone for memorable experiences. Hospitality and Tourism Beach resorts, vacation rentals, travel agencies, and tropical restaurants all benefit from summer fonts that instantly communicate relaxation and escape. These typefaces help potential guests imagine themselves already on vacation. Whether it’s a boutique hotel’s website, a restaurant’s poolside menu, or a travel blog’s header, summer fonts create that crucial emotional connection with wanderlust. Food and Beverage Ice cream shops, juice bars, beachside cafes, and summer pop-up stands rely on fonts that feel as refreshing as their offerings. Summer fonts help communicate that products are fresh, fun, and perfect for hot weather. From smoothie shop logos to popsicle packaging, these fonts add flavor before customers even take their first taste. Social Media and Digital Design Summer fonts absolutely shine in digital spaces where catching attention is crucial. Instagram posts, Pinterest graphics, blog headers, and email newsletters all benefit from typography that stops the scroll and says “summer!” Where to Avoid Summer Fonts While summer fonts bring joy and energy to many projects, there are definitely situations where their casual, playful nature might not be the best fit. Corporate and Professional Contexts Financial institutions, law firms, medical practices, and other professional services typically need fonts that convey trust, reliability, and expertise. Summer fonts, with their relaxed and playful nature, might undermine the serious tone these industries require. Save the beach vibes for beach-related projects, and opt for more traditional, authoritative typefaces when professionalism is paramount. Technical Documentation User manuals, software interfaces, scientific reports, and instructional materials need maximum clarity and readability. Summer fonts, while beautiful, can sometimes sacrifice legibility for personality – not ideal when clear communication is critical. Formal Occasions Wedding invitations (unless it’s a beach wedding!), memorial services, graduation ceremonies, and other formal events typically call for more elegant, traditional typography that matches the occasion’s gravity and importance. How to Choose the Perfect Summer Font Selecting the ideal summer font involves balancing aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. Here’s how to nail that perfect summer typography choice: Consider Your Audience Think about who you’re designing for. A family beach resort might want fonts that feel welcoming to all ages, while a trendy rooftop bar could go for something more sophisticated and contemporary. Young festival-goers respond to different visual cues than luxury vacation travelers. Match the Summer Vibe Summer encompasses many different moods – from energetic beach parties to serene sunset dinners. Identify the specific summer feeling you want to evoke. Is it playful and energetic? Relaxed and tropical? Nostalgic and vintage? Let this guide your font selection. Test Readability Summer fonts often prioritize personality over perfection, but your message still needs to be clear. Test your chosen font at various sizes and in different contexts to ensure it maintains readability across all applications. Consider Seasonal Flexibility If you’re designing for a brand that operates year-round, consider how your summer font choice will work in off-season communications. Some fonts are specifically summery, while others have enough versatility to work across seasons with different color palettes or supporting elements. Alternatives to Traditional Summer Fonts While dedicated summer fonts are fantastic, there are other typographic approaches that can capture seasonal energy: Tropical Script Fonts Flowing scripts with exotic flair can evoke tropical paradise without being explicitly summer-themed. These work beautifully for destination weddings, luxury resorts, and high-end travel brands. Vintage Surf Typography Fonts inspired by classic surf culture bring authentic beach credibility to modern designs. These work especially well for brands that want to tap into surf and beach lifestyle culture. Hand-Lettered Styles Custom hand-lettered looks feel personal and authentic – perfect for small businesses, artisanal products, and brands that want to feel approachable and genuine. Common Summer Font Questions Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about summer typography: What makes a font look summery? Summer fonts typically feature relaxed, flowing letterforms, bright energetic personalities, and often include decorative elements that reference beach, tropical, or vacation themes. They tend to feel casual, approachable, and optimistic. Can I use summer fonts year-round? While some summer fonts are specifically seasonal, many can work year-round with the right warm color palette and supporting design elements. The key is choosing fonts with enough versatility to adapt to different seasonal moods. Are summer fonts professional enough for business use? It depends on your business! Summer fonts are perfect for hospitality, food service, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. However, they might not be appropriate for more conservative industries like finance or healthcare. How do I pair summer fonts with other typefaces? Summer fonts often work well paired with clean, simple sans-serifs for body text. The contrast between a playful summer display font and a readable sans-serif creates visual hierarchy while maintaining that seasonal energy. Making Your Designs Sizzle Summer fonts are more than just typography – they’re instant mood boosters that transform ordinary designs into sunshine-filled experiences. Whether you’re creating a beach resort’s brand identity, designing the perfect festival poster, or crafting social media graphics that capture those golden hour vibes, the right summer font sets the stage for memorable design. Remember, the best summer font isn’t necessarily the most decorative or tropical-looking one. It’s the font that perfectly captures the specific summer mood you’re trying to create while still serving your project’s practical needs. So go ahead, embrace those warm-weather vibes in your next design project. Choose fonts that make people want to kick off their shoes, grab a cold drink, and soak up some vitamin D. After all, life’s too short for boring typography – especially in summer! What’s your favorite summer font? I’d love to hear about the typefaces that make you dream of beach days and endless sunshine! Riley Morgan Riley Morgan is a globe-trotting graphic designer with a sharp eye for color, typography, and intuitive design. They are a color lover and blend creativity with culture, drawing inspiration from cities, landscapes, and stories around the world. When they’re not designing sleek visuals for clients, they’re blogging about trends, tools, and the art of making design feel like home—wherever that may be. 17 Cutest Kawaii Fonts That are So AdorableKawaii fonts are exactly what they sound like – typefaces that embody the Japanese concept of “kawaii” (meaning cute). These...26 Billboard Fonts You Can Read at 80 MPHWhen you’re racing down the highway at 80 mph, you’ve got about 3 seconds to grab someone’s attention with your...40 Christmas Fonts that are ‘Santa-Approved’As a designer with a serious case of Christmas spirit, I can’t help but get giddy when it’s time to...

When it comes to bedding that’s soft and supple, the best silk sheets are hard to beat. Unlike other materials like a textured linen or crisp percale, these have a glossy look and feel that you won’t quite find in another set. What’s more, they are just as versatile as they are stylish. Silk of the highest quality is characterized as a hypoallergenic, naturally breathable fabric, which is great for hot sleepers and sleepers with sensitive skin. Plus, many sets come in neutral and bright colorways to play off of your bedroom’s design.To get a real feel for the best sets out there, our editors got to work by sleeping in on our favorite sets on the market. And since top-tier silk sheets tend to be pricey, we’ve also sprinkled in some affordable alternative options like satin and bamboo. They might trick you into thinking they’re the real thing. Here, find all of our favorites to enhance your sleep experience and self-care routine.Our Top Picks for the Best Silk Sheets:Best Overall Silk Sheets: Quince Mulberry Silk Sheet Set, $500Best Splurge: Clementine Sleepwear Atelier Medica Organic Silk Fitted Base Sheet, $899A Sustainable Set: Lunya Quintessential Bedding Set, $428Best Silk Alternative: Ettitude CleanBamboo Sheet Set, $379 $265Most Affordable: Bedsure Satin Sheets, $41For Hot Sleepers: Luxome Luxury Sheet Set, $185Browse by CategoryFor consistency, all prices reflect queen sizes in this story.The Best Silk Sheets, OverallQuince Mulberry Silk Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: Affordable, machine washable, made of 100% mulberry silkDownsides: Only available in a few neutral colorsSpecsMaterial: 100% mulberry silkSizes: Queen, kingColors: 3Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcasesCare instructions: Machine washable, air-dry recommendedQuince is already one of our favorite destinations for luxury-on-a-budget sleep essentials. While you’ll find an affordable price point here too, the quality of these 100% mulberry silk sheets isn’t something to skip over. Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker keeps these high-quality sheets in rotation since they’re both durable and easy to care for. They are machine washable—she just keeps them with like colors for safe measure, though. From there, an air-dry gets the sheets back to their best condition. Even if you don't notice an immediate change from tumble drying, the brand says this practice can weaken the silk. As someone whose skin has gotten more sensitive over time, she appreciates the hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating material that feels soothing to sink into each night.These sheets have a 22 momme count. We dive into this more in our FAQ section, but this count essentially indicates a durable weave, and Baker says they've held up well without tears or color fading in sight.Best SplurgeClementine Atelier Medica Silk Fitted SheetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: No off-gassing, tester says the deep hue pairs well with neutral bedding, infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acidDownsides: PriceySpecsMaterial: 100% GOTS certified organic silk beddingSizes: Twin, full, queen, kingColors: 2Includes: Fitted sheetCare instructions: Machine wash on the most delicate setting in a “silk-only” load with mild detergent. Or, hand wash with a mild detergent and gently massage the fabric for one minute to remove dirt and let it soak for the next four minutes. Rinse in fresh cold water. Do not use bleach or a fabric softener. Hang in a shady spot away from the sun to air-dry.Calling them “extremely soft and rich-feeling,” commerce writer Julia Harrison coats her bed with this silk set and adds that they’re the “kind of splurge that just feels like self-care every time you slip into it.” While they’re steeper in price, the brand notes that these sheets boast infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid designed to leave skin feeling dewy and soothed. Harrison says she sleeps easily with these sheets and felt like they were ready for use out of the box with little to no off-gassing (though she did still give them a wash).All that aside, these sheets can instantly dress up a moody or minimalist bedroom at any given moment with the pearl white and navy blue hues. Although Harrison has a bohemian-meets-Danish design style in her space, she found the navy blue color to be surprisingly subtle. “It wasn’t screaming: silk sheets, or even worse: navy blue sheets,” she says. “I tucked it under my white duvet and it gave a really interesting contrast.”A Sustainable SetPhoto: Nashia BakerPhoto: Nashia BakerLunya Quintessential Bedding SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: Made of natural wood tencel fibers, soft, durable materialDownsides: Duvet and sheet set are sold separatelySpecsMaterial: 100% tencelSizes: Queen, king, California kingColors: WhiteIncludes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcasesCare instructions: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low.Take it from Baker: Lunya’s silky sheets are a dream. At first glance, she mistook these as mulberry silk because of their glossy look. In actuality, these sheets are made of a natural fiber called tencel, which is a wood-based material. The brand notes that the bedding is biodegradable and created using an earth-friendly, closed-loop process that uses recycled materials. These are naturally breathable while also boasting a softness that she hasn’t quite felt in a standard silk set. “I wouldn’t consider myself a hot sleeper, but since NYC weather is constantly up and down, I like something that’s both airy and soft,” she says. “I sleep under the top sheet and duvet with no problem; the set keeps me comfortable during in-between spring weather that hits around the 50s and 60s.”While the duvet is sold separately, it's a plus to pair with the sheet set since it's just as durable. “I’ve had the same textured comforter with yellow embroidery for years now, and I feared that the design would show through the duvet cover since the only color Lunya has as of now is white,” Baker says. “I was pleasantly surprised to see that the duvet covered it all without any color peeking through.”Best Silk AlternativeEttitude CleanBamboo Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: 8 colors available, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, hypoallergenicDownsides: Some colors sell out quicklySpecsMaterial: 100% CleanBamboo LyocellSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingColors: 8Includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 pillowcase(s). Full and queen sizes include 2 standard pillowcases; King and California king include 2 king-size pillowcases, twin and twin XL include 1 standard pillowcase.Care instructions: Wash on cold with mild detergent and like fabrics in a gentle or delicate setting. Line dry or tumble dry low. Don't use bleach or fabric softener."These sheets are buttery—pun intended,” says Baker, who has this set in the butter colorway. These are made from a patented CleanBamboo fabric that leaves the sheets with a silky sateen finish. She says they have gotten noticeably softer over time with a routine wash and dry. Plus, they are a bit thinner in a good way than other bamboo-like sets, as Baker says it leaves them with an airier feel. If trendy pastel yellow isn’t your preference, these sheets also come in several neutral and vibrant hues like sage and saffron.Most AffordableBedsure Satin SheetsUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: Affordable alternative, smooth feel, easy care (machine washable and tumble dry)Downsides: Some color might bleed on pillows after the first couple of usesSpecsMaterial: 100% polyester satinSizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California kingColors: 22Includes: Fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 pillowcasesCare instructions: Machine washable in cold water. Tumble dry on low.Another alternative to add to cart, these satin sheets have a smooth texture and come in nearly two dozen colors to match your bedroom. And coming in at just $41, they have more of an approachable price tag while still boasting the overall look of silk. The sheets are more slippery than a standard silk set, but the appearance itself doesn't give that away. Baker has these in burgundy and says the rich hue really shows through in person. She did notice some color bleeding on her pillows after the first couple of uses, so something to be mindful of if you opt for a deep color.For Hot SleepersPhoto: Nashia BakerLuxome Luxury Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides: Unique colors available, deep pockets, breathableDownsides: The brand recommends washing alone on the delicate cycleSpecsMaterial: 100% Viscose from BambooSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split kingColors: 12Includes: 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 2 pillowcase(s). Full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes include 2 pillowcases; twin and twin XL include 1 standard pillowcase.Care instructions: Machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle with a mild, liquid detergent. Don't use bleach, fabric softener, stain removers, or scent boosters. Tumble dry with low heat.These are our favorite cooling sheets for those seeking a glam aesthetic. Baker says this bamboo set is great for people like her who crave something cool-to-the-touch without sacrificing style. “These sheets have the same appearance to me as a high-end set of silk or satin without the cost,” she says, adding that they have dramatic drape. “These are even more unique because of the jewel tones, like sapphire, that are hard to find with other brands,” she says. Baker keeps her bedscape full with a mattress topper and protector, and she says these deep-pocket sheets fit easily over it all. While she says she’s generally a cold sleeper, the bamboo material is perfectly breathable for hot NYC days.How We TestedFrom bamboo to linen sheets, our testing process for sheets is one in the same at AD: Just like fellow shoppers, our editors bring sets in their homes to see if they really hold up for routine use. We had these silk and silk alternative sheets in our homes for about a month, if not more, to go through the process of washing and sleeping on them. Here areMaterial: There are several silk and silk alternative fabrics to choose from, but our list consists of pure mulberry silk, bamboo varieties, and satin that all have a similar look and feel. When shopping for pure silk, be sure look for bedding labels that note 100% mulberry silk, also known as natural silk. If you're looking for options that mirror the look of silk, 100% viscose from bamboo is typically durable and has less strict care instructions, especially tumble drying. Satin tends to be slightly more slippery in texture, but these usually still offer a silky look.Care: For streamlined care, we tested a variety of options that span hand washing to machine washing, as well as tumble drying and air-drying. Since pure silk can sometimes weaken from abrasive wash and dry cycles, it's typically recommended to hand wash and air-dry.FAQsAre Silk Sheets Really Worth It?While 100% mulberry sheets tend to be an investment price-wise, we think it's worthwhile. These can act as cooling sheets, as the material is naturally breathable for a good night's rest. And because of their smooth nature, they can leave a polished aesthetic in any bedroom. With the right care—typically machine washing on a delicate cycle or hand washing and air drying—the best silk sheets can last for years.What’s a Momme Count?A momme count is the measurement that reflects the weight of silk. Typically, the higher the momme count, the denser the fabric. Any momme count above 20 momme, like our Quince pick, is pretty standard and ensures the material is sturdy and designed to last.

"AI is inevitable."That's a phrase that's rattled around my head for a month. Not willingly mind you. It's taken up lodging in my grey matter after hearing it in meetings, reading it in emails, and seeing it buffeted back and forth across Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Discord.It's not a convincing phrase. If you hear it from AI boosters it's easy to brush off as raw hype, and if you hear it from doomsayers it can lull you into a sense of fatalism. But as the philosopher Natasha Bedingfield told us in 2004, today is where the book begins, the rest is still unwritten. Nothing, for better or worse, is inevitable.But in those various calls another phrase—one you may have heard at your studio—has slipped past more unnoticed: "AI is just a tool. It can be used for good or evil, like any other tool."After all this is a business where we use tools for good or evil, right and wrong, correctly and incorrectly. We debate the effectiveness of Unity, Unreal, or Godot. We agonize over whether to use procedural versus hand-crafted content. We debate and discuss the topic so much that Game Developers Conference has a whole Tools Summit dedicated to craft of making game development software.Viewing generative AI through the neutral lens of tool assessment is natural—and I'll go so far as to say admirable—for our community. It's a method we use to get past hype and bombast, to try and take technology on its own terms and see how it fits our purposes. And as the 2025 GDC State of the Industry report tells us, some developers are adopting generative AI, plenty of them not bought in on the hype but through the act of seeking the right tool for the job.Related:But looking at generative AI as 'just a tool' is a deeply flawed lens. That phrase betrays a quiet cynicism (one we hear often from opponents of firearm regulation in the United Stats). Because nothing—not generative AI, not a firearm, not even a hammer—is "just a tool."The function of tools is influenced by their formConsider two tools found in many American households: the claw hammer and the handgun.Normally Game Developer restricts itself to the craft of making video games but I promise this is relevant. Guns are another tool where neutralizing rhetoric is deployed to downplay a tool's negative effects. I grew up in a gun-owning house in a gun-owning neighborhood in suburban Maryland. There were probably four handguns sitting in lockboxes across two rooms, a few rifles and shotguns in a vault in the basement, and one questionably legal World War I firearm tucked away in a closet. The NRA's mantra of "guns don't kill people, people kill people" was commonplace. A neighbor of mine laughed when I advocated for stronger regulations on gun ownership on the basis of "guns are meant to kill." "Guns aren't meant to kill," I recall him saying. "Cars can kill people. Does that mean cars are meant for killing?"His point boils down to this: The outcome of the tool's use is not worth considering when discussing regulation, only its potential use. A gun is a tool and the user has control over a tool is used.Cars are already tightly regulated and cost thousands of dollars, making his point moot, so we'll break down the construction of the claw hammer instead. We generally refer to hammers as being used to pound nails into wood, but I mainly use mine for hammering anchors into drywall because I'm a theater kid and was taught in crew to trust screws.In either case, the physical shape of the claw hammer dictates its most common purpose. The handle extends into a metal object that is blunt at one end, and clawed on the other. The design follows the swing of the human arm, transferring kinetic energy generated by the bicep, down the elbow, through the wrist, and into the blunt end.We also know that claw hammers are not useful for every form of transferring this energy. Variations on hammer design like the ball-peen hammer show how this basic purpose needs to be altered for different tasks. The shape and the material changes depending on the purpose. To sell more hammers, companies invest in better materials and affordances like rubber grips to make their use more comfortable.Like a firearm, hammers can be used as weapons. That same transference of force can be used to harm another living being. Video games sometimes place hammers in a players' loadout alongside guns, grenades, and weapons of war.Neither the hammer nor the firearm is "just" a tool. They are tools that are optimized for a purpose. We can study that purpose, and cast judgements about a tool's safety, merits, and need to be regulated based on that.But. The shape of the hammer is not an efficient way to inflict harm. This is supported by data from the FBI Crime Statistics survey, which gathers data filed by police departments that participate in assembling data. "Handgun" is the most common weapon used in homicides, and "knife/cutting instrument" ranks higher than "blunt objects." That's because handguns are an incredibly efficient means of wounding living beings.Let's break down the handgun the way we did the hammer. Handguns are assembled from an assortment of components that transfer the squeeze of a trigger into the strike of a hammer against a firing pin, which strikes the primer of a bullet's cartridge and sends it propelling out of the tube. Though some bullets seen in larger firearms are meant to penetrate metal, a handgun's bullet is envisioned and designed to cut through flesh.Image via Adobe Stock.These constraints make handguns efficient at few other tasks. In a pinch you could use the butt of a handgun as a hammer. I can't find any data about them being used for that purpose. I can only wander onto a construction site and count the number of firearms in toolboxes as a general sample size.Neither the hammer nor the firearm is "just" a tool. They are tools that are optimized for a purpose. We can study that purpose, and cast judgements about a tool's safety, merits, and need to be regulated based on that. Firearm advocates oppose this process through neutralizing language because it's difficult to dispute the correlation between the number of guns versus the number of murders and assaults with guns in a geographic area.Generative AI proponents sometimes regurgitate that language when defending this new technology. Because like the gun lobby, they don't want the purpose of generative AI decided by its outcomes, only its potential.What is that purpose? It may be the death of truth itself.Generative AI is broadly used to deceive through mimicryGenerative AI is a tool for deception.That's not what its biggest backers will tell you. It's broadly pitched as a tool for efficiency. But efficiency is hard to measure and easy to game. Deception is loud and obvious. Students are using it to cheat on papers. Scam calls with AI-generated voices are on the rise. The Department Human Health and Services published a study citing secretary Kennedy's unfounded health views that cites nonexistent studies, likely generated through AI. There was that cadre of YouTubers creating AI-generated fake movie trailers to attract clicks and make money off people who don't follow entertainment use. Apple marketed Apple Intelligence with advertisements showing people deceiving their neighbors, family, and coworkers. Activision Blizzard used generative AI to advertise games that don't exist.Now here's the rub: games—and all of entertainment—are also a form of deception. We use the phrase "magic circle" to describe how we attract players into our worlds. We use camera tricks, rendering technology, and even VO barks to simulate digital worlds. People engage with games, film, TV, books, and especially magic shows because on some level they want to be not just deceived, but lied to. AI has also been sold as technology that will let every player make their own perfect experience tailored for them by generating worlds, visual assets, and audio on the fly. But the best pitches I've heard for AI tend to "hide" the presence of the LLM, only mildly asking the player for prompts in order to accomplish behind-the-scenes computing tasks. These lies can make shared realities, not wholly distinct ones.That is the difference between telling lies to make virtual worlds and and telling lies to shape the real one. Lies in virtual worlds create shared realities. Lies in the real world tear them down.How appropriate that one such "shared reality," the Star Wars show Andor, recently warned us about the price we pay with treating AI as "just a tool." "The loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous," said the character Mon Mothma in a climactic speech decrying the whitewashing of a carefully executed genocide."When truth leaves us, when we let it slip away, when it is ripped from our hands, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest."Game Developers Conference and Game Developer are sibling organizations under Informa.

close New tech helps travelers save on smartphone charges Artificial intelligence is now being used to personalize eSIMS, potentially saving hundreds of dollars for travelers overseas. Your smartphone works hard, but it doesn't always stay in top shape on its own. Over time, storage fills up, apps collect background data and privacy settings fall behind. You might notice slower performance, random glitches or just a general sense that things aren't running as smoothly as they used to. The good news is that a quick digital and physical cleanup can help your device run like new. These simple steps will help you free up space, improve speed and keep your personal data better protected. Woman looking at apps on smartphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Digital cleanup tips1. Clear out apps and files you forgot existedIf your phone is low on storage or feeling sluggish, start by clearing out apps and files you no longer use. This is one of the fastest ways to improve speed and battery life.For iPhone usersOffload unused apps: Go to Settings > Apps > App Store > Turn on Offload Unused Apps.Review app storage usage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Scroll down and select an offload or delete. (Note: Offloading an app will preserve the app’s data and documents, allowing you to reinstall the app later and pick up where you left off. While deleting an app will remove both the app and all its data from your device permanently, unless that data is backed up elsewhere.)Delete large message attachments: Go to Messages > Open a conversation > Tap contact name > Info > See All under Photos > Tap Select > Tap photos you want to delete > Tap Delete on the bottom right > Confirm by tapping Delete Attachment.Enable iCloud photos: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos > Turn on Sync this iPhone and Optimize iPhone Storage to save space on your device by storing full-resolution photos in iCloud and smaller versions locally.For Android usersSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. Delete unused apps: Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Uninstall.Clean out downloads: Open the Files app > Downloads > Select files > Tap Delete.Use Files by Google: Open the Files by Google app > Tap Clean > Use options like Delete downloaded files or Delete duplicate files to free up space. Person viewing storage space on their smartphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 DIGITAL CLEANUP HACKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED2. Disable background app activity to save power and speed things upMany apps continue running in the background even when you're not using them, draining battery and slowing down your phone. Limiting or disabling background activity can noticeably boost performance and help your device last longer between charges.For iPhone usersLimit background activity:Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Choose Off or Wi-Fi only > Or toggle off individual apps that don't need to refresh in the background.For Android usersSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.Restrict background activity:Go to Settings > Apps > Select the app > Tap Battery > Choose Restricted or Optimize to limit background usage.Or go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage > Tap on apps using high power > Adjust settings to restrict background activity.Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web 3. Organize and remove unnecessary filesDigital clutter adds up quickly. Screenshots, old PDFs, duplicate photos and downloads that were only meant to be temporary. Regular file maintenance helps you stay organized and keep your phone running smoothly.For iPhone usersFind duplicate photos: Go to Photos > Scroll to Utilities > Duplicates (if applicable) > Tap Merge to combine duplicates > Confirm your decision by clicking Merge # Exact Copies.Sort screenshots: Go to Photos > Scroll to Media Types > Screenshots > Tap Select in the upper right > Tap the photo/photos you want to delete and a blue check mark will appear in the bottom right of the image > Then tap the trashcan in the bottom right of the screen > Confirm your decision by clicking Delete or Delete # Photos.Delete old downloads: Open the Files app > Browse > Downloads > Tap the circle with the three horizontal dots in the upper right > Tap Select > Click the files you'd like to delete and a blue circle with a check mark will appear > Tap the trash can icon in the bottom right of the screen.For Android usersSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.Find duplicate photos: Open Files by Google > Tap Clean > Under Duplicate files, select files to delete.Sort screenshots: Open Photos > Albums or Collections > Screenshots > Tap and hold to select > Delete or the trashcan icon > Click Move to trash.Delete old downloads: Open the Files app > Downloads > Select files by tapping and holding > Tap Delete or the trash can icon.For email cleanupBulk delete emails in Gmail: In the search bar, type older_than:6m > Select all > Delete.Set email rules in Outlook: Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts > New Rule > Choose criteria like sender, age or subject > Set action to archive or delete.Find old emails in Yahoo: Use the search bar to type before:2025/01/01 messages by clicking the square box next to the message > Delete or click the trashcan icon.Physical cleaning tipsPhones collect bacteria from nearly every surface you touch. From gym equipment to bathroom counters, your phone needs regular cleaning to stay safe and functional.Clean the exteriorUse a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the screen, case and back.For tougher smudges, slightly dampen the cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol.Never spray liquid directly on the screen or into ports.Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia or glass cleaner.Do not use paper towels or abrasive materials that can scratch the screen.Clean ports and speakersUse a soft-bristled brush or wooden toothpick to remove lint and debris from charging ports and speaker grills.Avoid using metal objects or compressed air directly into the port.Clean your caseFor plastic or silicone: Wash with warm soapy water, rinse and air dry.For leather or fabric: Use a surface-appropriate cleaning solution and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.Before cleaning, always power off your phone and unplug any accessories.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Man cleaning smartphone with microfiber cloth (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Privacy and security sweepDigital cleaning also means reviewing your privacy settings. Make sure your apps are not accessing more than they need and keep your sensitive data secure.For iPhoneHide private photos: Go to Photos > Select image > Click the three horizontal dots in the circle in the upper right of the screen > Hide > Confirm by clicking Hide Photo.Control lock screen access: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Adjust Allow Access When Locked settings.Use iCloud Keychain to manage and autofill secure passwords: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Passwords. Tap Sync This iPhone to enable iCloud Keychain.For AndroidSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.Review app permissions: Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager > Choose a permission type > Review and adjust access.Enable Find Hub: Go to Settings > Google > All services > Personal & device safety > Find Hub > Turn on Allow device to be located.Set a secure screen lock: Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock > Choose a PIN, password or pattern.Back up your dataData loss can happen without warning. Whether it is due to damage, theft or an unexpected software issue, having a recent backup can save your photos, contacts and important files.For iPhoneBack up to iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Turn on.Back up using a computer: Connect to Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on PC) and select Back Up Now.For AndroidSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.Back up to Google: Go to Settings > Google > Backup > Turn on Backup by Google One > Confirm your backups in the Google One app under Storage > Device Backup.Use smart tools to automate cleanupInstead of constantly managing your phone manually, let trusted tools do the heavy lifting. A top-tier antivirus app doesn’t just protect against malware; it often includes powerful performance boosters designed to keep your device running smoothly. Look for apps that offer:Junk file and cache cleanupApp uninstaller for unused programsDuplicate file finderBrowser cleanup toolsStartup manager to improve device boot timeReal-time protection against malware, phishing and unsafe linksThese features help keep your device fast, secure and clutter-free without constant manual maintenance. Many top-rated antivirus apps offer a combination of security and performance optimization tools to simplify device management and protection. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Kurt’s key takeawayTaking a little time to clean up your phone can really pay off. Whether you're freeing up space, boosting speed or tightening your privacy, these small steps help your device work better and keep your information safer. Plus, a quick physical clean keeps your phone looking and feeling fresh.What are some of your favorite tips or habits for keeping your phone clean, organized and secure? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

May 25, 2025Ravie LakshmananThreat Intelligence / Software Security Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed a malware campaign that uses fake software installers masquerading as popular tools like LetsVPN and QQ Browser to deliver the Winos 4.0 framework. The campaign, first detected by Rapid7 in February 2025, involves the use of a multi-stage, memory-resident loader called Catena. "Catena uses embedded shellcode and configuration switching logic to stage payloads like Winos 4.0 entirely in memory, evading traditional antivirus tools," security researchers Anna Širokova and Ivan Feigl said. "Once installed, it quietly connects to attacker-controlled servers – mostly hosted in Hong Kong – to receive follow-up instructions or additional malware." The attacks, like those that have deployed Winos 4.0 in the past, appear to focus specifically on Chinese-speaking environments, with the cybersecurity company calling out the "careful, long-term planning" by a very capable threat actor. Winos 4.0 (aka ValleyRAT) was first publicly documented by Trend Micro in June 2024 as used in attacks targeting Chinese-speaking users by means of malicious Windows Installer (MSI) files for VPN apps. The activity has been attributed to a threat cluster it tracks as Void Arachne, which is also referred to as Silver Fox. Subsequent campaigns distributing the malware have leveraged gaming-related applications like installation tools, speed boosters, and optimization utilities as lures to trick users into installing it. Another attack wave detailed in February 2025 targeted entities in Taiwan via phishing emails that purported to be from the National Taxation Bureau. Built atop the foundations of a known remote access trojan called Gh0st RAT, Winos 4.0 is an advanced malicious framework written in C++ that makes use of a plugin-based system to harvest data, provide remote shell access, and launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. QQBrowser-Based Infection Flow Observed in February 2025 Rapid7 said all the artifacts flagged in February 2025 relied on NSIS installers bundled with signed decoy apps, shellcode embedded in ".ini" files, and reflective DLL injection to covertly maintain persistence on infected hosts and avoid detection. The entire infection chain has been given the moniker Catena. "The campaign has so far been active throughout 2025, showing a consistent infection chain with some tactical adjustments – pointing to a capable and adaptive threat actor," the researchers said. The starting point is a trojanized NSIS installer impersonating an installer for QQ Browser, a Chromium-based web browser developed by Tencent, that's designed to deliver Winos 4.0 using Catena. The malware communicates with hard-coded command-and-control (C2) infrastructure over TCP port 18856 and HTTPS port 443. From LetsVPN Installer to Winos 4.0 in April 2025 Persistence on the host is achieved by registering scheduled tasks that are executed weeks after the initial compromise. While the malware features an explicit check to look for Chinese language settings on the system, it still proceeds with the execution even if that's not the case. This indicates it's an unfinished feature and something that's expected to be implemented in subsequent iterations of the malware. That said, Rapid7 said it identified in April 2025 a "tactical shift" that not only switched some of the elements of the Catena execution chain, but also incorporated features to evade antivirus detection. In the revamped attack sequence, the NSIS installer disguises itself as a setup file for LetsVPN and runs a PowerShell command that adds Microsoft Defender exclusions for all drives (C:\ to Z:\). It then drops additional payloads, including an executable that takes a snapshot of running processes and checks for processes related to 360 Total Security, an antivirus product developed by Chinese vendor Qihoo 360. The binary is signed with an expired certificate issued by VeriSign and allegedly belongs to Tencent Technology (Shenzhen). It was valid from 2018-10-11 to 2020-02-02. The primary responsibility of the executable is to reflectively load a DLL file that, in turn, connects to a C2 server ("134.122.204[.]11:18852" or "103.46.185[.]44:443") in order to download and execute Winos 4.0. "This campaign shows a well-organized, regionally focused malware operation using trojanized NSIS installers to quietly drop the Winos 4.0 stager," the researchers said. "It leans heavily on memory-resident payloads, reflective DLL loading, and decoy software signed with legit certificates to avoid raising alarms. Infrastructure overlaps and language-based targeting hint at ties to Silver Fox APT, with activity likely aimed at Chinese-speaking environments." Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    

May 23, 20257 min readWhat FDA’s Planned Limits on COVID Vaccinations Mean for HealthDespite the fact that vaccines against COVID have already undergone strict safety reviews and that people continue to die from the disease, Trump’s FDA is moving to reduce access to annual COVID boosters for healthy AmericansBy Stephanie Armour & KFF Health News aire images/Getty ImagesLarry Saltzman has blood cancer. He’s also a retired doctor, so he knows getting covid-19 could be dangerous for him — his underlying illness puts him at high risk of serious complications and death. To avoid getting sick, he stays away from large gatherings, and he’s comforted knowing healthy people who get boosters protect him by reducing his exposure to the virus.Until now, that is.Vaccine opponents and skeptics in charge of federal health agencies — starting at the top with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — are restricting access to covid shots that were a signature accomplishment of President Donald Trump’s first term and cost taxpayers about $13 billion to develop, produce, and distribute. The agencies are narrowing vaccination recommendations, pushing drugmakers to perform costly clinical studies, and taking other steps that will result in fewer people getting protection from a virus that still kills hundreds each week in the U.S.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.“There are hundreds of thousands of people who rely on these vaccines,” said Saltzman, 71, of Sacramento, California. “For people who are immunocompromised, if there aren’t enough people vaccinated, we lose the ring that’s protecting us. We’re totally vulnerable.”The Trump administration on May 20 rolled out tougher approval requirements for covid shots, described as a covid-19 “vaccination regulatory framework,” that could leave millions of Americans who want boosters unable to get them.The FDA will encourage new clinical trials on the widely used vaccines before approving them for children and healthy adults. The requirements could cost drugmakers tens of millions of dollars and are likely to leave boosters largely out of reach for hundreds of millions of Americans this fall.Under the new guidance, vaccines will be available for high-risk individuals and seniors. But the FDA will encourage drugmakers to commit to conducting post-marketing clinical trials in healthy adults when the agency approves covid vaccines for those populations.For the past five years, the shots have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for everyone 6 months and older. They have been available each fall after being updated to reflect circulating strains of the virus, and the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.Vinay Prasad, who leads the FDA’s division overseeing vaccines, cited “distrust of the American public” as he announced the new guidelines at a May 20 briefing.“We have launched down this multiyear campaign of booster after booster after booster,” he said, adding that “we do not have gold-standard science to support this for average-risk, low-risk Americans.”The details were outlined in a May 20 article in The New England Journal of Medicine, written by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. He and Prasad later followed up with the briefing, which appeared the same day on YouTube.The added limits on access aren’t the result of any recent data showing there are new health risks from the covid vaccines. Instead, they reflect a different regulatory stance from Kennedy, who has a history of anti-vaccine activism, and Makary, who has questioned the safety data on covid mRNA shots.Announcing a major regulatory change in a medical journal and YouTube video is a highly unusual approach that still leaves many questions about implementation unanswered. It remains unclear when the changes will go into effect or whether there will be any public comment period. The changes were announced by the administration before an FDA advisory committee meeting on May 22 to consider the 2026 covid vaccine formula.It’s a sharp reversal from the first Trump administration, which launched Operation Warp Speed — the effort that led to the development of the covid shots. Trump called the vaccines the “gold standard” and a “monumental national achievement.”Concerns About Higher TransmissionThe announcement is rattling some patient advocacy groups, doctors, nursing home leaders, and researchers who worry about the ramifications. They say higher-risk individuals will be more likely to get covid if people who aren’t at risk don’t get boosters that can help reduce transmission. And they say the FDA’s restrictions go too far, because they don’t provide exceptions for healthy individuals who work in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, who may want a covid booster for protection.The limits will also make it harder to get insurance coverage for the vaccines. And the FDA’s new stance could also increase vaccine hesitancy by undermining confidence in covid vaccines that have already been subject to rigorous safety review, said Kate Broderick, chief innovation officer at Maravai Life Sciences, which makes mRNA products for use in vaccine development.“For the public, it raises questions,” she said. “If someone has concerns, I’d like them to know that of all the vaccines, the ones with the most understood safety profile are probably covid-19 vaccines. There is an incredible body of data and over 10 billion doses given.”Some doctors and epidemiologists say it could leave healthy people especially vulnerable if more virulent strains of covid emerge and they can’t access covid shots.“It’s not based on science,” said Rob Davidson, an emergency room doctor in Michigan and executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care, which works to expand health care access. “It’s what we were all worried would happen. It risks peoples’ lives.”Current federal regulators say there is no high-quality evidence showing that vaccinating healthy people, including health workers who are near or around immunocompromised people, provides an additional benefit.“It is possible, actually, that such approvals and strategies provide false reassurance and lead to increased harms,” Prasad said.The covid vaccines underwent clinical trials to assess safety, and they have been subject to ongoing surveillance and monitoring since they obtained emergency use authorization from the FDA amid the pandemic. Heart issues and allergic reactions can occur but are rare, according to the CDC.On a separate track, the FDA on May 21 posted letters sent in April to makers of the mRNA covid vaccines to add information about possible heart injury on warning labels, a move that one former agency official described as overkill. The action came after the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, a panel of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, held a hearing on alleged adverse events associated with covid vaccines.Limiting boosters to healthy people goes against guidance from some medical groups.“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect children,” Sean O’Leary, chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases at the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in an email. “Young children under 5 continue to be at the highest risk, with that risk decreasing as they get older.”Unsupported Claims About mRNA VaccinesThe covid booster clampdown is supported by many adherents of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which casts suspicion on traditional medicine. Some opponents of covid mRNA vaccines say without evidence that the shots cause “turbo” cancer, are genetic bioweapons, and cause more heart damage than the covid virus.There is no evidence the shots lead to rapid and aggressive cancers. Cancer rates decreased an average of 1.7% per year for men and 1.3% for women from 2018 to 2022, according to the National Institutes of Health. The covid vaccines debuted in 2021.Federal regulators say narrowing who can get the boosters will align the U.S. with policies of European nations. But other countries have vastly different economic structures for health care and approaches to preventive care. Many European countries, for example, don’t recommend flu shots for the entire population. The U.S. does in part because of the financial drain attributed to lost productivity when people are sick.They also want more information. “I think there’s a void of data,” Makary told CBS News on April 29. “And I think rather than allow that void to be filled with opinions, I’d like to see some good data.”A massive five-year study on covid vaccine safety by the Global Vaccine Data Network, involving millions of people, was underway, with about a year left before completion. The Trump administration terminated funding for the project as part of cuts directed by the president’s Department of Government Efficiency, and work on the study has stopped for now.There are a multitude of studies, however, on the vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.Limiting boosters for healthy people can be risky, some doctors say, because people don’t always know when they fall into higher-risk categories, such as individuals who are prediabetic or have high blood pressure. The covid vaccine restrictions could deter them from getting boosted, and they might experience worse complications from the virus as a result. For example, about 40% of people with hepatitis C are unaware of their condition, according to a study published in 2023.The number of people getting covid vaccines has already dropped significantly since the height of the crisis. More than half of the more than 258 million adults in the U.S. had gotten a covid vaccination as of May 2021, according to the CDC. In each of the past two seasons, less than 25% of Americans received boosters, CDC data shows.While deaths from the virus have dropped, covid remains a risk, especially when cases peak in December and January. Weekly covid deaths topped 2,580 as recently as January 2024, according to CDC data.Some high-risk individuals are worried that the new restrictions are just the first salvo in halting all access to mRNA shots. “The HHS motivation really is hidden, and it’s to dismiss all mRNA technology,” said Michael Osterholm, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota.Officials at the NIH have told scientists to remove references to mRNA in grant applications. HHS also announced plans in May to develop new vaccines without mRNA technology, which uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to make proteins that trigger an immune response.Rose Keller, 23, is concerned about future access to covid shots. She would be eligible under the current announcement — she has cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic condition that makes the mucus in her lungs thick and sticky, so covid could land her in the hospital. But she is concerned the Trump administration may go further and restrict access to the vaccines as part of a broader opposition to mRNA technology.“I’ve had every booster that’s available to me,” said Keller, a government employee in Augusta, Maine. “It’s a real worry if I don’t have the protection of a covid booster.”KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.