The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the latest and updated COVID-19 vaccines will soon be accessible to all individuals, with most recipients not incurring any costs. Health authorities strongly recommend that everyone aged 6 months and above receive the vaccine, as it provides additional protection against current subvariants.
While this marks the first season in which the government will no longer cover the cost of COVID vaccines, insurance companies and government-run programs such as Medicaid and Medicare are expected to cover the expense. Earlier, Pfizer and Moderna had indicated that the vaccines would be priced between $120 to $130 after transitioning to the private market; however, it is anticipated that individuals will not need to make this payment.
An estimated 25-30 million uninsured or underinsured adults will still have access to free vaccines through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. This initiative aims to distribute vaccines through local healthcare providers, health centers, and select pharmacies.
Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, stated, “HHS is diligently working to ensure the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide, beginning as early as this week, to safeguard the American public from severe COVID-19 outcomes during the upcoming fall and winter months. Our message is straightforward: Don’t delay, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It’s both safe and effective.”
According to the CDC, approximately 85% of uninsured adults live within a five-mile radius of sites offering free vaccines. However, in rural areas, this figure drops to 39%.
Uninsured children will also have access to vaccinations through the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children through a national network of participating healthcare providers. Eligibility criteria include being under 18 years old, American Indian or Alaska Native, Medicaid-eligible, or underinsured or uninsured.
Retail giants CVS and Walgreens have plans to administer COVID-19 vaccine doses at select store locations, with vaccines expected to be in greater supply starting early next week.
Walgreens stated, “Individuals will be able to schedule appointments immediately, with available appointments starting nationwide on Monday, September 18. Earlier appointments may be added on a rolling basis as stores receive vaccines this week.”
CVS similarly announced on September 13, “Pharmacies and retail medical clinics will begin receiving the new vaccine and will continue to receive inventory on a rolling basis throughout the week. All CVS Pharmacy locations are expected to have the vaccination in stock by early next week.”
Initial concerns about a delayed vaccine rollout for the uninsured have been addressed by officials at HHS and the CDC, who assure that both insured and uninsured individuals should receive vaccines on the same timeline.
