Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #112

[IceIce9]

Some people have forgotten just how serious COVID was and how scary and careless some elected officials were.

I was working in a hospital-based clinic when COVID began, and I remember how absolutely joyful the employees were when our hospital finally obtained the COVID vaccine.

 

[Betty P]

I have been working in Kentucky, and parents here have been unable to find a place to get Covid vaccination for their kids. The pharmacies that have Covid vaccine available are refusing to give to children as they say it’s only approved for age 65 and over now.

Members of Congress need to know this.

 

[dmac55]

Concerned about federal vaccine policies, states are crafting their own - NPR
Concerned about federal vaccine policies, states are crafting their own — NPR

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

For some, Medicare isn't covering the updated Covid vaccine yet

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a Senate committee Thursday that most Americans are going to be able to get a Covid shot for free.

www.nbcnews.com

Some older Americans on Medicare are facing an unexpected problem: The updated Covid shots — approved last month by the Food and Drug Administration for all adults 65 and up — aren’t being covered, forcing them to decide whether to pay out of pocket...

What you need to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan - Bridge Michigan

Changes at the federal level are making access to the mRNA shot, as well as insurance coverage challenging, while doctors still tout the treatment as effective in treating and preventing coronavirus infection.

bridgemi.com

For some, a COVID-19 vaccine means jumping through hoops or hitting the road

The debut of updated COVID-19 vaccines has gotten off to a clunky start in many states.

www.detroitnews.com

Michelle Newmark has tried — and failed — a couple times to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

First, she was told she needed a prescription. Then she learned that her local CVS drugstore won't have shots for a couple more weeks. The Reston, Virginia, resident was considering a drive to Maryland to get vaccinated before a friend told her of a closer CVS that was booking appointments.

What was once a simple process has become “a whole different beast this year,” Newmark said...

 

[gremlin444]

Got my shot today (Pfizer/COMIRNATY) at my nearby CVS in a suburb that touches Chicago proper (Illinois). Made the appt online last weekend, clicked that I had a high risk condition, was not asked to specify which one. Not asked any questions about it when I went in today. It's about 2 hours post shot now--left arm is a bit achy (but I immediately put arnica gel on it when I got home and have reapplied) and took ibuprofen about 45 min post shot. My wrist and shoulder joints on that side of my body are just now starting to ache mildly, and so is the lymph node at my left collarbone (that one has reacted intensely to every covid shot).

Last fall was the first time I had Pfizer at all, so I'm hoping getting it again this time while result in a milder response than last year's. I've already done all my important tasks for the day that would require clarity of thought and mobility, planned leftovers for dinner, and put my two young adult sons on alert that they might be needing to reheat my microwave heating pad, etc for the rest of the day.

My friend and her 14 yo daughter, who according to the guidelines CVS provided on their appt page, both qualify due to significant mental health diagnoses, book online for the Walgreens just 3 blocks away from the CVS I went to. When they got there, they were told by the pharmacist that they couldn't get the shot because they weren't high risk. She was furious. I don't know the specific details of what WG's website asked or said when she made the appts or the exact words the pharmacist said to her in person (she posted a summary of what happened to her FB). Absolutely ridiculous.

C'mon Pritzker....I know you are busy dealing with our current fun visitors, but please follow in NY's footsteps and give pharmacists in IL a blanket prescription to give out the shot.

 

[dmac55]

Vaccine chaos: Even some vulnerable seniors can't get COVID shots amid spiking cases - Los Angeles Times

Vaccine chaos: Even some vulnerable seniors can't get COVID shots amid spiking cases — Los Angeles Times

Seniors in some parts of the country say they are being denied COVID-19 vaccinations amid an ongoing spike in cases, leading to rising frustration over new Trump administration policies.

apple.news

 

[gremlin444]

Ugh.....I did pretty good for about 6-7 hours post shot....a bit feverish which made me a touch silly, some jaw tension, being aware of the presence of my lymph nodes on the left side of my body....very tired by dinner

And then my afternoon ibuprofen (well...Celebrex actually....like mega ibuprofen) faded off around 8 pm. Oof. Headache, tight tight jaw, left lymph node at collarbone swelling, other lymph nodes on left side making all those joints painful including ones that had been ok originally (like ankle).

Took more anti-inflammatory med, will take a half muscle relaxant to get my jaw and neck to loosen up, drinking a ton of water (I think I hadn't been), and will take a hot shower before bed. I suspect I'll mostly be back to normal tomorrow morning.

Not pleasant, but nowhere near as bad as my first 3 covid shots---those were all a good 3 days in bed each time for me and hugely swollen arm despite ice, etc.

 

[sds71]

Most people get their COVID-19 vaccines at their local pharmacies, according to the CDC.

But under Oregon law, pharmacists are only allowed to administer vaccines included in state protocols set by the Board of Pharmacy, which typically align with CDC immunization recommendations.

Jonathan Modie, a spokesperson for the Oregon health Authority, said that if a vaccine is not covered by those protocols, “pharmacists can still give it when there’s a valid prescription or order from a clinician.”

Because the CDC has not yet updated its guidance, the new COVID-19 vaccines are not part of Oregon’s pharmacy protocols. That means pharmacists can’t offer the shots without a prescription or clinician’s order — even to people who meet the FDA’s eligibility criteria.

Pharmacists could also face legal risk. During the pandemic, federal emergency declarations shielded pharmacists from lawsuits for administering COVID-19 vaccines. Those protections only apply to vaccines endorsed by the CDC’s advisory committee.

Another unanswered question: Who will pay for the shots? Private insurers and Medicaid are not required to pay for preventive vaccines unless they are recommended by the CDC’s advisory committee.

Why some Oregonians are being turned away for COVID-19 vaccines

Many pharmacists can only give the shot to those who bring in a prescription.

www.oregonlive.com

 

[Gemmie]

For some, Medicare isn't covering the updated Covid vaccine yet

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a Senate committee Thursday that most Americans are going to be able to get a Covid shot for free.

www.nbcnews.com

Some older Americans on Medicare are facing an unexpected problem: The updated Covid shots — approved last month by the Food and Drug Administration for all adults 65 and up — aren’t being covered, forcing them to decide whether to pay out of pocket...

What you need to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan - Bridge Michigan

Changes at the federal level are making access to the mRNA shot, as well as insurance coverage challenging, while doctors still tout the treatment as effective in treating and preventing coronavirus infection.

bridgemi.com

For some, a COVID-19 vaccine means jumping through hoops or hitting the road

The debut of updated COVID-19 vaccines has gotten off to a clunky start in many states.

www.detroitnews.com

Michelle Newmark has tried — and failed — a couple times to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

First, she was told she needed a prescription. Then she learned that her local CVS drugstore won't have shots for a couple more weeks. The Reston, Virginia, resident was considering a drive to Maryland to get vaccinated before a friend told her of a closer CVS that was booking appointments.

What was once a simple process has become “a whole different beast this year,” Newmark said...

Any word on how much they are out of pocket, and if they'd get reimbursed if the rules change and they could have gotten it free/covered, had they waited?

I'm waiting. It's still a little early as it's been mid-late September in the past for me.

 

[Gemmie]

My friend and her 14 yo daughter, who according to the guidelines CVS provided on their appt page, both qualify due to significant mental health diagnoses, book online for the Walgreens just 3 blocks away from the CVS I went to. When they got there, they were told by the pharmacist that they couldn't get the shot because they weren't high risk. She was furious. I don't know the specific details of what WG's website asked or said when she made the appts or the exact words the pharmacist said to her in person (she posted a summary of what happened to her FB). Absolutely ridiculous.

SBM&BFF

This reminds me of when I went in 5 days early (not quite 6 months to the day) and was turned down. I was advised to submit a complaint to the Board of Pharmacy for my state which I did. They want to know so they can "educate" pharmacies of how to conduct themselves in these matters. For me, I should have been able to get another vaccine 2 months after the last one, but to get turned down 5 days shy of 6 months?

For your friend, to the best of my knowledge, is that ALL they needed to do was state at registration that they were high risk. PERIOD. They don't need proof and they shouldn't be asked for that personal info. Since they were turned down, and shouldn't have, IMO, please do have them contact their state Board of Pharmacy and file a complaint. Good luck to them.

Boards of Pharmacy National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

NABP and the member boards of pharmacy protect the public health by promoting the highest standards of pharmacy practice.

nabp.pharmacy

 

[Gemmie]

Most people get their COVID-19 vaccines at their local pharmacies, according to the CDC.

But under Oregon law, pharmacists are only allowed to administer vaccines included in state protocols set by the Board of Pharmacy, which typically align with CDC immunization recommendations.

Jonathan Modie, a spokesperson for the Oregon health Authority, said that if a vaccine is not covered by those protocols, “pharmacists can still give it when there’s a valid prescription or order from a clinician.”

Because the CDC has not yet updated its guidance, the new COVID-19 vaccines are not part of Oregon’s pharmacy protocols. That means pharmacists can’t offer the shots without a prescription or clinician’s order — even to people who meet the FDA’s eligibility criteria.

Pharmacists could also face legal risk. During the pandemic, federal emergency declarations shielded pharmacists from lawsuits for administering COVID-19 vaccines. Those protections only apply to vaccines endorsed by the CDC’s advisory committee.

Another unanswered question: Who will pay for the shots? Private insurers and Medicaid are not required to pay for preventive vaccines unless they are recommended by the CDC’s advisory committee.

Why some Oregonians are being turned away for COVID-19 vaccines

Many pharmacists can only give the shot to those who bring in a prescription.

www.oregonlive.com

I sure wish they'd hurry and get everything approved so people that want the vaccines can get them and move on with life. Sheesh.

 

[whirrledpeas]

I’m 44 and I WILL be getting my Covid booster. My sister is disabled and immunocompromised and I’m her primary caregiver. I don’t give a —- what the CDC says.

 

[mickey2942]

The VA has Covid vaccine, interesting, based on the politics of the Covid vaccine.

 

[meanmaryjean]

My daughter (30) just got declined for a Covid booster by CVS for lack of a Rx. She's a PreK teacher. She's gonna try the school clinic tomorrow and if not both IL and KY are under 30 minutes away.

 

[Gemmie]

My daughter (30) just got declined for a Covid booster by CVS for lack of a Rx. She's a PreK teacher. She's gonna try the school clinic tomorrow and if not both IL and KY are under 30 minutes away.

I think waiting a couple of weeks could do wonders for this issue. I hope.

 

[Inthedetails]

My daughter (30) just got declined for a Covid booster by CVS for lack of a Rx. She's a PreK teacher. She's gonna try the school clinic tomorrow and if not both IL and KY are under 30 minutes away.

My daughter traveled to a different state this weekend to get the covid vaccine since her state is holding to the 65+/underlying condition restrictions. What a waste of time and gas, but ineffeciency with this federal covid policy increasingly seems to be the point, imo.

jmopinion

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Any word on how much they are out of pocket, and if they'd get reimbursed if the rules change and they could have gotten it free/covered, had they waited?

I'm waiting. It's still a little early as it's been mid-late September in the past for me.

How much is the COVID vaccine without insurance?​

The vaccine is no longer free for most people without insurance. If you don’t have health coverage and don’t use discounts, you can expect to pay $200 or more for a COVID vaccine. And an administration fee may be added to the cost of your shot. You may be able to save on your COVID vaccine with a GoodRx coupon.

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/how-much-will-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-cost#cost-without-insurance

 

[Sundog]

How much is the COVID vaccine without insurance?​

The vaccine is no longer free for most people without insurance. If you don’t have health coverage and don’t use discounts, you can expect to pay $200 or more for a COVID vaccine. And an administration fee may be added to the cost of your shot. You may be able to save on your COVID vaccine with a GoodRx coupon.

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/c...virus-covid-19-vaccine-cost-without-insurance

st

County health departments in our state will administer vaccines at no cost or on a sliding scale based on financial ability.

 

[Inthedetails]

How much is the COVID vaccine without insurance?​

The vaccine is no longer free for most people without insurance. If you don’t have health coverage and don’t use discounts, you can expect to pay $200 or more for a COVID vaccine. And an administration fee may be added to the cost of your shot. You may be able to save on your COVID vaccine with a GoodRx coupon.

https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/how-much-will-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-cost#cost-without-insurance

Multiply $200 by number of people in a family or household and it's easy to see why people will skip the vaccine if not covered by insurance.

I'm really disappointed at this season's developments.

jmopinion

 

[mickey2942]

Does Covid change? Is it like flu? With different strains?