Who Is Eligible for the Updated Covid-19 Vaccine This Fall?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved this year’s updated Covid-19 vaccines for adults 65 and older, as well as for younger individuals with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe infection.

While federal health officials emphasize that anyone can request a vaccine after consulting with their doctor, the narrower FDA approval could limit access for some who were previously eligible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a range of conditions that increase risk, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, chronic kidney and lung disease, HIV, pregnancy, mood disorders, and immunosuppression. Officials estimate that between 100 million and 200 million Americans meet these criteria.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have all announced that updated vaccines will be available in the coming days at pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices nationwide. CVS and Walgreens say they are preparing to offer shots where state regulations allow, though CVS notes it is restricted from providing vaccinations in 16 states and Washington, DC until further guidance is issued by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which meets in mid-September.

Access for children and pregnant people remains more complicated. Moderna’s vaccine is approved for children as young as 6 months if they have high-risk conditions, while Novavax is authorized for children 12 and older with risk factors. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for broader access, recommending shots for children as young as 6 months. Pregnant people remain on the high-risk list, though access may depend on provider discretion.

Insurance coverage is also in question. Public insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, is expected to cover the updated vaccines, but coverage under private insurance may vary, especially for loosely defined conditions such as physical inactivity. Providers may also administer vaccines “off-label” for individuals outside the new criteria, though access could depend on whether a doctor or pharmacist is giving the shot.

People eligible for both a flu vaccine and a Covid-19 shot can receive them at the same time. Combination flu and Covid vaccines are still in development, with companies such as Moderna and Pfizer conducting clinical trials.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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