People Desperate for COVID Vaccinations Face Disappointing Hurdles
Jason Mitton, a 55-year-old resident of Austin, Texas, was denied a COVID-19 vaccine at his local pharmacy even though he suffers from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He found the experience quite frustrating and believes that getting vaccinated should be a personal choice.
Cheryl Hughes, a 64-year-old woman living outside of Cleveland, was also denied the vaccine, despite her desire to stay healthy for her husband who has dementia. "If I get sick, my husband might have to go into a care facility. I could lose my job. It would be terrible," Hughes says.
Changed Vaccine Eligibility Affects Many
The Food and Drug Administration has altered their guidelines for those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine was once available to anyone ages 6 months and older, but now it's only approved for those 65 years and older, or those with health conditions that make them more susceptible to severe illness from COVID.
Those arguing for this change, including the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., believe that otherwise healthy, younger individuals don't necessarily need annual boosters because they possess enough immunity. However, several Americans who don't meet the new criteria still want to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.
Organizations like the Infectious Disease Society of America argue that everyone should have the option to get vaccinated. They believe that vaccines significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, including hospitalization and death, even for those who are otherwise healthy.
Obstacles to Getting Vaccinated
Despite Secretary Kennedy's assurance that the new rules won't prevent anyone from getting vaccinated if they want to, many individuals have reported difficulties. In theory, you can still get vaccinated if you meet the criteria, get a doctor's prescription, or "self attest" that you're eligible. However, some are turned away because of limited supplies or not meeting the new criteria. Others are denied even after returning with a doctor's prescription.
Some individuals describe their hunt for a vaccine as a wild goose chase, traveling from one pharmacy to another, and even crossing state lines. Vaccine manufacturers haven't disclosed how many doses they're making this year based on the FDA's narrower approvals. However, they are preparing "similar volumes" as last year and assure that they will meet demand. They have also reported that millions of doses have already been dispatched.
Concern Over CDC's Guidelines and Health Insurance Coverage
In some states, pharmacists are prohibited from administering the shots until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues specific recommendations. This has caused a delay in vaccine distribution. Furthermore, the Vaccines for Children Program won't ship until the committee meeting happens.
Health insurance coverage may also pose a problem. While some insurance companies have stated that they will cover the COVID shot with no cost sharing for people with fully insured plans, it's not clear what other insurance companies will do. Those without the proper coverage may have to pay around $200 out of pocket.
Frustration and Fear Among Individuals
Many Americans, like Allison Cote, are frustrated and scared. Cote is concerned about the health of her father who has heart failure, other diabetic family members, and a relative who recently had a kidney transplant. She is also anxious about her 16-month-old son who is not eligible for the vaccine this year, even though COVID can be dangerous for babies.
Stephan Neidenbach, a public school teacher, fears getting sick and spreading the virus to his students, elderly parents, or his mother-in-law. Therese McRae, a mother from Sandy, Utah, is desperate to get vaccinated to protect her 4-year-old daughter who has Type 1 diabetes.
Karen Lambey, a 43-year-old near Richmond, Va., who became immunocompromised after developing long COVID, was told she needed a prescription to get the shot but hasn't been able to find a doctor to provide one. "These are all extra hurdles that keep adding up. I feel disappointed because this is something that is important to my health," Lambey says.