COVID-19 Vaccines to Remain Accessible Despite Federal Uncertainty
As a new COVID-19 variant emerges and winter approaches, access to updated vaccines appears secure in California and neighboring states, despite recent shifts in federal funding and messaging. Health officials are working to ensure those at high risk, and those who live with them, can readily obtain the shots.
The transition comes amid uncertainty following announcements from the Trump Administration regarding COVID-19 vaccine funding. However, experts like Humboldt County Public Health Officer Dr. Iyahanna Stockton remain confident that vaccines will be available before the anticipated winter surge. “We’re working to make sure that pharmacists know that they’re at high risk or they live with somebody whoS at high risk, and be able to get the vaccine. and that’s what we’re working towards,” Stockton stated.
New York has already taken steps to broaden access,with Governor Kathy Hochul signing an executive order allowing pharmacists in the state to administer the updated vaccine. California, Oregon, and Washington – collectively known as the West Coast Health Alliance – are expected to follow suit if needed.
Insurance coverage is also not expected to be a barrier. Industry sources indicate that insurance companies are prepared to cover the cost of the updated COVID-19 shots, mirroring their approach in previous years. Stockton emphasized the economic rationale, stating, “Vaccines are a relatively inexpensive, very cost-effective way to reduce medical costs…if you’re an insurer and you choose not to pay for a vaccine that can say, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospitalization costs, it doesn’t take very long before you’re losing more money than you’re actually saving by not paying for the vaccine.”
Stockton underscored the importance of vaccination, particularly given the strain on local healthcare resources. “Our healthcare resources – our hospital capacity, emergency room capacity – we’re stretched really thin as a county right now,” she said. ”And it may not seem like a big deal if five or six people get hospitalized one week for COVID during the winter…But I think most people in this county have experienced having to go into the emergency room. And then having to spend a really long time in the emergency room because there are no open beds upstairs in the hospital.” She urged those able and willing to get vaccinated to do so, to help alleviate pressure on the community’s healthcare system.
