COVID-19 vaccine Access Expands in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Following Federal Guidance Delays
HARRISBURG, PA & TRENTON, NJ – Residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey now have broader access to updated COVID-19 vaccines as state officials moved to bypass delays in federal immunization recommendations, addressing confusion among the public and pharmacies. The actions come after the FDA approved updated COVID-19 shots but limited access for some children and adults, leaving many unsure about eligibility and insurance coverage.
Pharmacies in both states reported a surge in inquiries from individuals eager to receive the new vaccines but uncertain if they qualified or if their insurance would cover the cost. ”There was a lot of people calling confused, as if they weren’t sure if they were allowed to get the vaccine, also they weren’t sure if the insurance would cover the vaccine,” said Mayank amin, owner of Skippack Pharmacy in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the state board of pharmacy voted during an emergency meeting to allow pharmacists to follow vaccine recommendations from trusted authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, rather than waiting for guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), whose next meeting wasn’t scheduled until October.
“Pharmacies now can administer these vaccines to many more patients who want these vaccines this fall,” said Rob Frankil, executive director of the Philadelphia Association of Retail Druggists. “That’s making available these vaccines for people who want them so they can make their own choice, and at the end of the day, that’s going to keep the population healthier.”
pharmacists across Pennsylvania have already seen a positive response. “Since the vaccine was released,we’ve done a lot of doses,” reported Marc Ost of Eric’s Rx Shoppe. He emphasized the role of community pharmacies as trusted healthcare providers, stating their goal is “to be able to provide vaccines to those who want it, but also in a lot of situations in schools and long-term care facilities to those that need it and are required to get it.” amin added that his pharmacy began administering Moderna and Pfizer vaccines “right after the announcement came out,” following a high volume of patient calls.
New Jersey health officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that while the state-level actions improve access, insurance coverage isn’t guaranteed across all plans. However, officials believe the measures will simplify immunization for those seeking the vaccine. “The goal of this order is to make sure anybody who chooses to get a COVID-19 vaccine can get one,” stated a New Jersey health official, identified as Brown.