Updated Covid-19 Vaccines Approved for Adults 65+ and Those with Certain Medical Conditions

Strategic Insights -

This year's updated Covid-19 vaccines have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for adults 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection. The narrower approval may limit access to shots for some people who were previously able to get them. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that people who choose to get the vaccine can do so after consulting with a doctor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has approved updated Covid-19 vaccines for adults 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection.
  • According to the CDC, conditions that put someone at higher risk of severe Covid-19 include asthma, blood cancers, cerebrovascular diseases, and more, affecting an estimated 100 million to 200 million people in the US.
  • The updated vaccines will be available at many pharmacies and doctor's offices in the US this fall, with Pfizer and BioNTech expecting to begin shipping their Covid-19 vaccine immediately.
  • Children are able to get the vaccines after consulting with a healthcare provider and are eligible for Novavax's Covid-19 vaccine if they are 12 and older and have an underlying condition that puts them at severe risk.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6 months through 23 months receive a Covid-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients.
  • There is no CDC guidance or recommendation for women who are pregnant, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently reaffirmed support for Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy.
  • People who are covered by public insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid will likely have Covid-19 vaccines covered, while there is uncertainty around how private insurance companies will adjust coverage.
  • Health care providers can provide Covid-19 vaccines "off-label" for those who do not meet the new eligibility criteria based on their age or overall health.
  • Determining eligibility for Covid-19 vaccination may involve a healthcare provider evaluating the patient's conditions and documenting them.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 100 million to 200 million people in the US are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine under the new framework.
  • During the 2023-24 respiratory virus season, an estimated 71.5% of Covid-19 shots were given in pharmacies or drug stores.
  • The FDA has approved Covid-19 vaccines for adults 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain medical conditions.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6 months through 23 months receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

Sources:

  • CNN: "This year's updated Covid-19 vaccines have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for adults 65 and older, as well as younger people with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 infection."
  • US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. post on X: "FDA has now issued marketing authorization for those at higher risk: Moderna (6+ months), Pfizer (5+), and Novavax (12+)."
  • CDC data: "71.5% of Covid-19 shots were given in pharmacies or drug stores."
  • American Academy of Pediatrics: "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6 months through 23 months receive a Covid-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients."
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently reaffirmed support for Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy."