COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants approval for an updated COVID-19 vaccine, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA expressed confidence in its availability for all Ohio residents, whether they have insurance or not.
The newly approved vaccine, designed to better combat predominant variants, was endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday. It’s recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older who hasn’t been vaccinated in the last two months. Vaccine supplies are expected to be accessible to providers by week’s end.
Those with medical coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid, can expect the vaccine to be included as a preventive health service, translating to likely zero out-of-pocket costs. “If you have medical insurance…you likely will have no out-of-pocket costs,” Vanderhoff said. Uninsured individuals, however, have multiple programs ensuring they still have free access to the vaccine.
This transition comes after the federal government’s decision in May to end the COVID-19 public-health emergency status, which previously made them the exclusive vaccine supplier. Now, providers are sourcing the vaccine directly from commercial market manufacturers.
As respiratory virus cases tend to surge in the colder months, Vanderhoff emphasizes the importance of Ohioans staying updated with their vaccinations.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) assures continued free vaccine provisions for eligible uninsured children via the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
For uninsured adults, the CDC’s Bridge Access Program extends through 2024. This initiative, in partnership with CVS, Walgreens, and eTrue North pharmacies, ensures the continuation of free COVID-19 shots for those without coverage. Participating providers can be located at vaccines.gov.
With nearly 75% of adult Ohioans already receiving at least one vaccine dose, Vanderhoff urges the population to maintain their vaccine schedules.
For a detailed overview of the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, please visit CDC’s website.