COVID Vaccine Program for Uninsured: Potential Delay in Pharmacy Access

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's program to provide the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured Americans may not be ready in pharmacies by September, leaving high-risk individuals without access. The government's transition to the commercial market for vaccine costs has delayed the program, which was intended to be a partnership with pharmacies. Contract negotiations with CVS, Walgreens, and eTrueNorth are still ongoing, and the CDC is now targeting mid-October to launch the pharmacy program. The details of vaccine acquisition, distribution, and reimbursement remain undecided, causing uncertainty for pharmacies. The cost of the updated COVID-19 shots could be as high as $130 per shot for the uninsured. Additionally, COVID-19 hospitalizations are slowly increasing, but overall levels remain low.