Introduction to COVID-19 Vaccination
Want a COVID-19 vaccination this fall? For many Americans, it’s not clear how easy it will be to get one. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist, said this week that the shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, usurping a decision normally made by scientific experts, not political appointees.
Recent Changes in Recommendations
Days later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said healthy children and pregnant women “may” get COVID-19 vaccinations, removing stronger language that those groups “should” get the shots. The change follows an earlier Trump administration step to limit COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy people under age 65. Until now, the U.S. — following guidance from independent experts who advise the CDC — has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older.
Impact on Health Experts and Insurers
Together, the moves have left health experts, vaccine makers and insurers uncertain about what to advise and what comes next. “It’s going to add a lot of confusion overall,” said Ajay Sethi, an epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How to Get a COVID-19 Shot
Some of this season’s vaccine is still available. Insurance industry experts say if people had insurance coverage before Kennedy’s announcement, it’s highly unlikely that would have ended instantly based on the secretary’s video announcement. That means if someone could find a shot, they’d likely be able to get one for now.
Future Availability of COVID-19 Shots
Who will be able to get what vaccines this fall is still unclear. Vaccine manufacturers plan to issue updated COVID-19 shots in the late summer or fall. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it plans to limit approval of seasonal shots to seniors and others at high risk, pending more studies of everyone else.
Insurance Coverage
Insurers base coverage decisions on the recommendations of that CDC panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It’s not clear what role that panel now will play. Paying out of pocket could cost about $200. The CDC says its new language for healthy kids and pregnant women — known as shared decision-making — means health insurers must pay for the vaccinations. Some insurers and employers may decide to still cover the shots no matter what, said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues.
Determining Increased Risk
The FDA published a list of health conditions it said would qualify, including asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. The CDC has a more extensive list. But, again, it isn’t yet known how this will play out. For example, it could be hard for people to prove they’re qualified. If they’re vaccinated at a drugstore, for instance, the pharmacist wouldn’t normally know about underlying health problems or even ask.
Conclusion
The recent changes in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have created confusion among health experts, vaccine makers, and insurers. While some vaccine is still available, the future availability and insurance coverage of COVID-19 shots are uncertain. It is essential to stay informed and follow the latest updates from reputable sources to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.
FAQs
- Q: Who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination?
A: The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccination are currently unclear, but it is expected that seniors and individuals with high-risk health conditions will be prioritized. - Q: Will insurance cover COVID-19 vaccination?
A: Insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccination will depend on the insurer and the individual’s health status. Some insurers may still cover the shots, while others may not. - Q: How can I get a COVID-19 shot?
A: Some vaccine is still available, and individuals can try to find a shot through their healthcare provider or a local pharmacy. - Q: What are the risks of not getting vaccinated?
A: Not getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can increase the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and even death, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. - Q: Where can I find more information about COVID-19 vaccination?
A: Individuals can find more information about COVID-19 vaccination through reputable sources such as the CDC, FDA, and WHO websites.
