Updated COVID-19 Boosters Face Rocky Rollout, Sparking concerns Over Access and Misinformation
The deployment of updated COVID-19 boosters is being hampered by significant logistical challenges and a climate of misinformation, leaving vulnerable individuals struggling to access the shots, according to reports emerging across the country. The rollout mirrors the difficulties experienced during the initial vaccine distribution in 2021, with individuals facing appointment scarcity, prescription requirements, and even discouraging comments from pharmacists.
Rachel, a Pittsburgh resident with two autoimmune disorders and a genetic blood clotting disorder, expressed her frustration with the current situation. “The challenges right now for me are just around information, and actually knowing what is the truth and what is going to happen if I try to get it,” she said, adding she’s delaying vaccination due to ongoing confusion and reports of people being turned away despite Pennsylvania‘s vaccine proclamation. “It just sounds like it’s still a shitshow. It’s still challenging to make an appointment here, so I’m going to wait a little bit.” Rachel also criticized the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), stating, “It’s just frustrating to me that based on absolutely zero evidence, and in some cases, just making up lies about evidence, [the] HHS has just decided these are so perilous that we need to limit them.”
In Westchester County, New York, Sarah encountered a complex process requiring a prescription, initially delivered by fax. The prescription system ultimately needed to be updated electronically. She requested any available COVID vaccine, but overheard a pharmacist deny a prescription for Pfizer due to limited Moderna stock. Even after the prescription was received, the pharmacist demanded verbal confirmation from her doctor. Sarah ultimately paid $250 out of pocket and is now seeking reimbursement from her insurance company. She also recounted the pharmacist attempting to dissuade her from receiving the shot, questioning, “Do you really know what you’re getting into? This is brand new,” and stating, “we don’t know anything” about the updated vaccines and “we don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order expanding access to all new yorkers after the initial prescription requirement proved problematic.
Shipman, in North Carolina, successfully secured a vaccine at an urgent care center after searching for appointments across state lines. However, experts warn that these hurdles disproportionately affect those with limited time or resources. “It’s really hard for ordinary people who are very busy and not necessarily paying close attention to this to know what they’re supposed to do to keep themselves or their loved ones safe,” said Lynch.
