Title: Major Pharmacy Chains Offering Updated Covid-19 Shots as CDC Urges Wider Vaccination Efforts
Leading pharmacy chains in the United States have started offering appointments for updated Covid-19 shots as part of the ongoing battle against the pandemic. Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech’s mRNA vaccines have been proven effective against the dominant EG.5 strain and other emerging variants. As the CDC advises, individuals aged 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to receive the updated Covid-19 vaccine.
To enhance vaccination coverage, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that everyone aged 5 and above receive at least one dose of the updated mRNA vaccine this year. For children aged 6 months to 4 years, two doses of the Moderna vaccine or three doses of the Pfizer vaccine are recommended, with at least one dose being the updated version. Additionally, individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a minimum of three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, including at least one updated shot.
While it is currently undecided whether individuals aged 65 and above will require an additional dose of the updated vaccine in the future, the CDC emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated for both the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Especially for high-risk individuals, the CDC recommends taking advantage of available vaccines for these viruses during the fall and winter seasons.
The timing for receiving the updated Covid-19 shot depends on the individual’s previous vaccination schedule. Those who received their last vaccine several months ago are advised to get the updated shot in the next few weeks. Access to the updated vaccine will be available at retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, doctors’ offices, and federally qualified health centers.
For individuals with health insurance, the cost of the updated Covid-19 shot is typically covered. However, uninsured and underinsured individuals can receive the vaccine for free through government programs. While flu shots are typically covered by most insurance plans, RSV vaccines for seniors may require a prescription and may not be covered.
To ensure widespread accessibility, more than 20,000 retail pharmacy locations across the US will provide free vaccines to those without insurance or with insurance that requires a co-pay. Furthermore, children from low-income families can receive free vaccines through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program, reinforcing efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
As the battle against Covid-19 continues, the availability of updated vaccines at various locations coupled with free or affordable access through insurance and government programs will contribute significantly to boosting vaccination rates and safeguarding public health.
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