COVID Vaccines: Availability and Access Issues Persist in Some US Regions

Some Americans are still struggling to find appointments for the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine, with reports of upfront payments ranging from $150 to $200. The U.S. government has shifted responsibility for distribution, administration, and payment coverage to private companies, including vaccine makers, pharmacies, and insurance plans. Despite the rollout of millions of doses, individuals are facing difficulties in securing appointments, experiencing canceled appointments, and encountering payment refusals. Health insurance plans are required to cover the shots at no cost, but some people are being told that the new shots are not covered by their plan at certain locations. Independent pharmacists are also facing challenges as they now have to pay for the shots themselves.