COVID Vaccine Rollout stalled as Access Issues Emerge for Millions
WASHINGTON – A new COVID-19 vaccine, updated for current variants, is facing important hurdles in reaching Americans, leaving many vulnerable individuals scrambling for access. Distribution of the shots through the Vaccines for Children Program is currently on hold pending a committee meeting, and questions surrounding insurance coverage are creating further uncertainty, according to reports.
Approximately half of children in the U.S. are eligible for free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program, but shipments have not begun as individuals haven’t been able to order them yet, explained Hannan, a source within the program.
Insurance coverage is also proving complex. While Aetna and United Healthcare have stated they will cover the COVID shot with no cost sharing for those with fully insured plans – even those outside the FDAS narrower approval guidelines – the policies of other insurance companies remain unclear. Even individuals covered by Aetna or united may encounter plans that don’t include the vaccine, potentially costing patients around $200.
The rollout challenges are fueling anxiety among those seeking protection for themselves and their loved ones.
“I’m very angry, frustrated,” says Allison Cote, 32, of Bristol, Conn. Cote is seeking vaccination to protect her father,who has heart failure,family members with diabetes,and a relative who recently received a kidney transplant. She is also concerned for her 16-month-old son, who is currently ineligible for vaccination despite the potential dangers of COVID-19 for infants. The new shots are currently only approved for children with high-risk conditions.
The CDC this spring dropped recommendations for routine COVID vaccination for children and pregnant women, advising parents to consult with their doctors before vaccinating their children.
Stephan neidenbach, 45, a public school teacher from Annapolis, Md.,expressed similar concerns. “I would feel horrible if I did get it and if I passed it off to someone that I cared about. It’s terrifying,” he said, worried about spreading the virus to students, elderly parents, or his mother-in-law who has lung problems.
Therese McRae, 37, of Sandy, Utah, is motivated by protecting her 4-year-old daughter, who has Type 1 diabetes. “Being a parent of a young child with a complex medical diagnosis is hard enough,” McRae says. “Having folks around her not being able to be vaccinated increases her risk. It’s just very overwhelming. it’s scary.”
Karen Lambey, 43, near Richmond, Va.,is immunocompromised due to long COVID and has been unable to secure a prescription for the vaccine from a doctor. “Any sort of flu, COVID, would set me back significantly,” Lambey says. “These are all extra hurdles that keep adding up. I feel disappointed because this is something that is important to my health.” She also fears transmitting the virus to her immunocompromised parents, stating, “That could potentially be life-threatening for them. I couldn’t live with that.”
