Struggles Persist as Vulnerable Americans Attempt to Access Covid Booster Vaccine
A chaotic and disorganized rollout of the new Covid booster vaccine has left vulnerable Americans struggling to access the much-needed protection. Despite the private companies responsible for distribution receiving millions of doses, only four million Americans, or one percent of the population, have received the latest version of the vaccine. This slow progress has led to obstacles and difficulties for individuals attempting to get inoculated.
The rollout of the vaccine to nursing homes and other facilities has only just begun this month, with some not starting until November. This delay is concerning given the increasing infections among elderly individuals who are at high risk. Additionally, young children, another vulnerable group, are also facing challenges in accessing the vaccine.
Danielle Campoamor, who has experienced the trauma of her son being admitted to the intensive care unit twice due to respiratory infections, is eager to ensure her children receive updated vaccines as soon as they become available. Unfortunately, many Americans are finding inconsistency in the cost of the vaccine. While some are told it is covered by their insurance at no cost, others are asked to pay over $100. This inconsistency in pricing can be attributed to the decentralized nature of this year’s rollout, as it is primarily being managed by private firms rather than a government-sponsored campaign.
A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that a majority of Americans do not plan to receive the updated Covid booster vaccine this year. The map above shows the low proportion of people by state who received the previous updated booster vaccine, with no state reaching more than 25 percent coverage. In the absence of widespread vaccination, some vulnerable families are taking matters into their own hands by testing and wearing masks to protect themselves.
Novavax has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to ship doses of its vaccine, which will be available in pharmacies next week. The US government recommends that all Americans aged six years and older receive the new vaccine, which has been updated to protect against the Omicron sub-variants driving the current rise in cases.
Distribution, administration, and payment for the vaccine have been handed off to private companies, including vaccine makers, pharmacies, and insurance plans. However, this decentralization has created confusion and difficulty for many Americans. Some experience long wait times, while others receive last-minute cancellations of their appointments.
Chad Worz, CEO of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, expressed concern over the distribution of the new Covid-19 vaccine, particularly for older adults in nursing homes who should have been prioritized. The delayed rollout could mean that these vulnerable individuals will have to wait until November to receive their vaccine, a potentially dangerous situation considering the increasing infections among this population.
Covid may be a mild illness for some, but for high-risk individuals, it can be deadly. During the first two years of the pandemic, more than 200,000 residents and staff in nursing homes lost their lives to Covid. Facilities continue to face resistance from both residents and employees when it comes to vaccination, with a significantly lower vaccination rate among employees compared to residents.
CVS, the largest pharmacy chain in the US, has experienced delivery delays from its wholesalers, causing canceled or rescheduled appointments. Other major retailers, such as Walgreens, have also attributed appointment disruptions to supply chain issues and delivery delays. While frustrations are growing among Americans, the low uptake of last year’s vaccine may provide insight into this year’s vaccination rates. Only 17 million Americans received the updated booster last year, and a recent poll found that 52 percent of adults in the US would not likely get the newest vaccine.
However, vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, still depend on the protection provided by an updated vaccine. Jennifer Kates, a senior vice-president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, was disappointed when her appointment for the Covid vaccine at CVS was canceled one day prior. She and her elderly parents were hoping that the vaccine would provide them with necessary protection. Instead, they will resort to testing and wearing masks. An uninsured New Jersey father paid nearly $600 for vaccine appointments for his family and hopes to be reimbursed by his insurance.
The US government is aware of the issues faced by Americans and is working with insurers to resolve the problems. Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance should cover the vaccine at no charge, and individuals without insurance can request a free shot through the government’s Bridge Access Program.
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