Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Fall 2024
Nashville, Tenn. (WSMV) – For the first time since 2020, fall COVID-19 vaccination recommendations are shifting. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, and released new guidance on who should receive them.
The FDA recommends all three vaccine options – Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax – for individuals aged 65 and older. They are also recommended for most people under 65 who have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.Though, age recommendations differ slightly between the vaccines:
* Moderna: Recommended for individuals aged six months to 64 years with underlying conditions, and for everyone 65 and older.
* Pfizer: Recommended for individuals aged five to 64 years with underlying conditions, and for everyone 65 and older.
* Novavax: Recommended for individuals aged 12 to 64 years with underlying conditions, and for everyone 65 and older.
jared Gabbert, manager of Vanderbilt Medical Group’s Pharmacy, explained that “high risk conditions are fairly widespread” and encompass a variety of health concerns, “ranging anywhere from a patient having some sort of cancer diagnosis to a patient just being physically inactive.”
While some states are now requiring a doctor’s prescription for the updated vaccines,Tennessee currently does not. Supply of the vaccines appears stable, but a key challenge is determining insurance coverage.
“Most payers have historically relied on the CDC recommendations to determine how they’re going to cover the vaccines,” Gabbert stated. “But because I know there’s been some uncertainty around the CDC recommendations as of late, many payers are still trying to determine how they’re going to move forward.”
the CDC’s Advisory Committee on immunization Practices (ACIP) met Friday to discuss official recommendations,largely following the guidance already released by the FDA. The CDC is expected to issue its official recommendations in the coming days, which Gabbert believes will provide clarity for insurance companies.
Currently, some insurance providers plan to cover the vaccine for all individuals, while others will only cover it for those within the recommended categories. Individuals not in a recommended category who still wish to be vaccinated may need to pay out-of-pocket. Checking with your insurance company directly,or asking a retail pharmacy to verify coverage in real-time,is advised.
Those unsure whether they should receive the vaccine are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.
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