COVID-19 Vaccines Available at No Cost for Eligible Individuals

Strategic Insights -

Eligible individuals in the US, regardless of their health insurance status, can receive COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, at no cost as long as the federal government continues to purchase and distribute them. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the updated vaccines, which target the original COVID-19 viral strain and two Omicron variants, making them the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. Individuals can receive their updated vaccine shot at least two months after completing their primary vaccination series, regardless of the number of monovalent COVID-19 boosters they have received.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, are available at no cost for eligible individuals.
  • The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the updated vaccines, which target the original COVID-19 viral strain and two Omicron variants.
  • Eligible individuals can receive their updated vaccine shot at least two months after completing their primary vaccination series, regardless of the number of monovalent COVID-19 boosters they have received.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations regarding updated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to explore ways to ensure maximum access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Statistics:

  • The FDA has authorized the updated Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older.
  • The FDA has authorized the updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 12 years of age and older.
  • The updated Moderna vaccine targets the original COVID-19 viral strain and two Omicron variants (BA.4/BA.5).
  • The updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine targets the original COVID-19 viral strain and two Omicron variants (BA.4/BA.5).
  • COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost for eligible individuals as long as the federal government continues to purchase and distribute them.

Sources:

  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)