The real issue here is that we have such wild-eyed conspiracists in charge of the government now (vaccines cause autism, immigrants are eating our pets!) that nobody in their right mind will trust these dorks.

Lots of misinformation so far on this thread.

There will be a new Covid vaccine based on recently variants, manufacturers are making them and they will be approved for those 65 and older, and for younger people with certain health conditions.

The FDA allows flu vaccine manufacturers to only have to update the strain and not have to go through new clinical trials. The FDA decided to do the same thing for Covid, but only for people 65 and older or younger people with health condition so there will still be a new vaccine.

I don’t know what insurance plans will do for younger healthier people. Because uptake for the general population who the government is not recommending get the vaccine is so low, I wouldn’t see the big deal with plans just covering it. It’s not like people are rushing out to get the new Covid vaccine. It was something like 20% uptake last year and most of that was actually people with health conditions or people in the older age group. But insurance plans are funny so who knows.

If you are not in the category the government is recommending and you want the Covid vaccine, you will likely be able to get it but insurance may not cover it so you’ll pay out-of-pocket. Or, your doctor might be able to prescribe you one in which case insurance might cover it, only that’s going to be a pain.

I do think pregnant women and young children are not being served here. I also don’t see the big deal if 49-year-old me, who is otherwise healthy, just wants a Covid vaccine like I do the flu vaccine, even though neither virus is likely to kill me. but that’s not how things are working at least for the next few years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems sensible to require more evidence about the need for more boosters before requiring them for kids and healthy adults. The rest of the world doesnt recommend them for everyone anymore.

Why make it so those of us who need the vaccine have to pay out of pocket? Just another way to increase prices for the middle and lower class while enriching T and friends.

If you *need* it (fall under a category where it’s recommended), it’ll still he covered by your insurance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going to get a booster July 1.
Then I either pay out of pocket or drive to Canada. Going to keep vaccinating my kids and my elderly dad.
My heart breaks for the infants and children who will suffer because of this. Some can’t afford to pay!

Will the booster be available July 1st? I wouldn't be so sure. Better get it now - pharmacies will likely not re-order the old vax, and the new one won't be available yet. Driving to Canada will not work afaik. I hope paying out of pocket will still work. They should at least included a provision for those with high-risk family members or hospitals/nursing homes (and ideally those working in other high-exposure settings like teachers).

WHO did not recommend a strain change for the COVID vaccine this fall, and especially with the FDA requirement for new clinical trials if there is a strain switch it will almost certainly be exactly the same vaccine available now.

I would not assume people from the US can get it in Canada but who knows.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not clear I would pay for the old 2024-25 vax. The variants have moved on. I would rather have vax based on the one in China orva mix compared with what is planned.

China is not a provider of reliable data.

Neither is the U.S. anymore, I'm afraid. The majority of American voters are hostile to science, and the people they voted for are, as promised, tearing down our scientific and public health infrastructure.

Anonymous wrote:Not clear I would pay for the old 2024-25 vax. The variants have moved on. I would rather have vax based on the one in China orva mix compared with what is planned.

China is not a provider of reliable data.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems sensible to require more evidence about the need for more boosters before requiring them for kids and healthy adults. The rest of the world doesnt recommend them for everyone anymore.

Nobody was talking about requiring them, I don't think.

Exactly. No one is forcing anyone to take a vaccine. This seems to be the MAGA MO-we don’t like vaccines so no one can have access. We don’t like abortion so remove access for all. All about freedom right?