As the Associated Press reports, the new policy could have a dramatic impact on how easy it is for countless Americans to access COVID vaccines and boosters moving forward, particularly if the CDC advisory panel — which Kennedy has now stacked with vaccine skeptics — doesn’t advise widespread vaccination:
Depending on the panel’s advice, Americans under age 65 could be expected to provide documentation of a serious medical condition before they can get a shot. Complicating the rollout is the fact that pharmacists — who administer most COVID-19 shots — typically aren’t expected to collect that kind of information. And laws governing their ability to administer routine vaccinations vary by state, where pharmacists are licensed. Many states limit vaccinations by pharmacists to those recommended by the CDC panel.
Access could also be complicated for healthy adults and children who are interested in getting a shot for extra protection. If the latest vaccines aren’t covered by their insurance, those patients could be required to pay $150 or more out of pocket if they want one. If they aren’t considered considered high-risk, they also might also have to find a doctor or other health professional willing to give the shot “off label.”
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