Article Summary:
The FDA has approved new coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, but has limited their use to “higher risk” individuals, rather than providing them routinely to all Americans as in previous years. This decision has sparked uncertainty, as it’s unclear who exactly will be considered high-risk and able to access the shots.
The vaccines will begin shipping in the coming days and weeks, with Moderna and Pfizer’s mRNA vaccines available first, followed by Novavax’s non-mRNA option in the early fall. However, public health experts say the narrowed approval creates questions around insurance coverage and access at local pharmacies for those not deemed high-risk.
Past administrations had recommended vaccines for all Americans 6 months and older, but the current administration is taking a more targeted approach, citing insufficient data to justify sweeping recommendations. This shift means doctors and pharmacists may be hesitant to provide the shots off-label to those not explicitly approved.
The CDC’s advisory committee is expected to meet in mid-September to discuss the coronavirus vaccine, but its membership has been overhauled, raising further uncertainty. Major medical associations, including the AAP and ACOG, have criticized the FDA’s decision, arguing it creates dangerous vulnerabilities, especially for children and pregnant women.
Overall, the narrowed approval injects significant uncertainty around who will be able to access the updated coronavirus vaccines and whether they will be covered by insurance, potentially leaving many Americans without the protection.