September 12, 2025
Americans Struggle to Access COVID Vaccines
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. has assured the public that Americans seeking COVID shots will have access to them. However, some older Americans have reported visiting local pharmacies only to find that Medicare currently does not cover the cost of these vaccines.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are responsible for approving vaccines and providing recommendations on who should receive them. However, the final decision on whether insurance—both Medicare and some private plans—will cover these vaccines lies with the HHS Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
In August, the FDA revised its guidance and approved updated coronavirus vaccines specifically for Americans aged 65 and older, as well as for those who are at least six months old and have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe complications from the disease.
Despite the FDA and CDC’s approval of these updated COVID shots for older Americans, uncertainty remains regarding whether seniors will need a prescription to receive the vaccine and whether insurance plans—including Medicare—will be mandated to cover the costs. Typically, the ACIP panel would have convened earlier this year to finalize these logistics. However, following the dismissal of all committee members by HHS Secretary Kennedy in June, the meeting has been postponed until September 18.
Medicare generally covers all vaccines recommended by ACIP. However, if the committee decides against recommending the updated shots, seniors could face out-of-pocket expenses of up to $200.
“Health officials continue to advise that Americans aged 65 and older receive a booster shot to mitigate serious complications from COVID,” stated Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Seniors concerned about the vaccine’s cost should consider delaying their appointments until after the ACIP meeting. If they choose to book an appointment before September 18, they should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket and keep an eye on local health authorities for updates on guidance.”
This was originally published in the September 12, 2025 edition of the Friday Alert. Read the full-length version and see other Friday Alert editions here.
