Introduction to COVID-19 Vaccinations
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 COVID-19 Vaccination 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 the Public
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. The new variant is called NB.1.8.1. It arrives as the United States’ official stance on COVID-19 vaccination is changing.
How to Get a COVID-19 Shot
Current Availability
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
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. Even if the U.S. approves vaccines only for certain groups, it still may be possible for others to get the shot depending on the outcome of upcoming advisory meetings, regulatory moves and decisions from insurers and employers.
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 non-profit KFF, which studies health care issues. She noted that they may view the expense as worthwhile if it avoids a higher bill from someone hospitalized by the coronavirus.
Increased Risk Factors
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. And Sethi, the UW-Madison expert, said “this elephant in the room” is that blocking vaccination to the healthy may mean people who have a risk factor and simply don’t know it will miss out.
Concerns and Clarifications
Adding to the confusion was Kennedy’s implication that the coronavirus isn’t dangerous to pregnant women. COVID-19 complications during pregnancy can include preterm birth as well as serious illness in the mother, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said it “strongly reaffirms” its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The recent changes and unclear future of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have left many Americans uncertain about their ability to get vaccinated. With ongoing debates and potential shifts in policy, it’s essential for individuals to stay informed and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
FAQs
- Q: Will I be able to get a COVID-19 shot this fall?
- A: The availability of COVID-19 shots for the general public this fall is uncertain due to recent changes in recommendations and potential limitations on vaccine approval.
- Q: Does my insurance still cover COVID-19 vaccinations?
- A: Insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccinations may depend on the new recommendations and the decisions of your insurance provider. It’s best to check with your insurer for the most current information.
- Q: What are considered increased risk factors for COVID-19?
- A: Increased risk factors include health conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity, among others. However, the application of these factors in determining vaccination eligibility is still unclear.
- Q: Can pregnant women and healthy children still get vaccinated?
- A: According to recent updates, healthy children and pregnant women “may” get COVID-19 vaccinations, but the language and recommendations are subject to change based on ongoing discussions and studies.
- A: According to recent updates, healthy children and pregnant women “may” get COVID-19 vaccinations, but the language and recommendations are subject to change based on ongoing discussions and studies.
