San Diego Residents Face Hurdles to COVID Boosters Amid Shifting Federal Guidelines
SAN DIEGO – A surge in COVID-19 cases in San Diego County is coinciding with new federal regulations that are creating confusion about booster eligibility and access, possibly leaving residents vulnerable as infections rise. Cases reported during the week ending August 9 increased by over 100 compared to the previous week, and UC San Diego infectious disease specialist Dr. Davey smith predicts the peak of this summer wave is still ahead.The change stems from a shift in how COVID-19 vaccines are distributed. Rather than broad recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new rules from the Food and Drug Management now dictate wich groups healthcare providers can vaccinate.This transition has been further elaborate by a delay in a meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, now scheduled for mid-September. Providers and pharmacies rely on the committee’s guidance to determine who is eligible for vaccination and whether insurance will cover the cost.
“That confusion leads to mistrust in us doctors, and us public health officials, and our government,” Smith said.While California allows adults 65 and older and individuals with underlying health conditions to receive boosters without a prescription, pharmacies – which administer 90% of all vaccines – are navigating a complex landscape. Smith continues to recommend boosters for healthy younger adults, citing the risk of severe illness and long COVID.
“Even people who are not older than 65 and don’t have an immunocompromising condition can get very sick … and there’s also the risk of long COVID,” he explained. “Boosters also help against new variants.” He added that increased vaccination rates are crucial to mitigating the impact of emerging variants. “When this new variant comes, then more of us are going to be at risk, more of us are going to get infected, and the peaks are going to be higher.”
As of August 28, only 16% of eligible residents in San Diego County are vaccinated. Smith warned that this low uptake, combined with the new restrictions, could considerably increase vulnerability as the virus spreads.
