I think the OOP price is $140
Iâll be happy to pay $140 not to get covid or give it to my immune compromised relatives
What I wonât be happy about is no covid vaccines at all
7 Likes
I just checked the CVS website. It said I couldnât get the vaccine when I answered that I had no high-risk conditions. So the next time, I said I did, but I still got this message: âDue to state restrictions or inventory weâre unable to schedule your COVID-19 (new) vaccine. You can still continue with your Flu vaccine or try a new location.â Ugh. Unbelievable.
donât they have to wait for CDC approval next month?
I donât know. So maybe I can get it next month?
dunno. In previous years, the vax became available almost immediately after the CDC recommendation. CDC was supposed to meet 9/18+, but who knows if they have enough scientists remaining to even hold a meeting.
I scheduled for my mom, age 85, at a local Walgreens with ease for next week. When I tried to schedule for me (not yet 65), Walgreens app stalled with an exclamation warning signs 3 times. When I tried on CVS website, I received the following message: âBased on what you told us, FIRST NAME isnât eligible for a COVID-19 (new) vaccine right now. Contact your primary care provider to help with next steps.â
I think it is going to be very difficult to get the vaccine for people under the age of 65 and without health issues. Itâs really tragic that this is where we are.
5 Likes
Iâve always believed that, once the âwho paysâ shakes out, supply will be plentiful for everyone who wants a vax and can afford to pay retail. That said, the take-rate was not very high even when the vax was available at no copay.
My interpretation of the recent FDA changes re healthy kids was really to try to eliminate the possibility of (school) mandates.
We live in a very Covid conscious area and there have never been school mandates, never even considered. So if thatâs the reasoning, itâs specious.
Also forcing people to pay retail is also ridiculous.
2 Likes
I messaged my primary doc. I am a bit curious how sheâll respond. I will pay out of pocket if needed because I see my 85 old mom regularly and volunteer weekly with others who are in their 80s. I also have adult children in their 20s who take biologic meds for autoimmune issues. I hope they donât have to jump through hoops to schedule/receive the vaccine.
My main issue is why the COVID vaccine canât be offered in the same manner as the annual flu vaccine. People can choose to get it or not get it. Limitations on choice is concerning.
4 Likes
It will also make it harder for folks under 65 WITH health conditions to get one. Unlike a doctor, a pharmacist is not allowed to administer vaccines off label. So a note from the doctor stating the condition will be needed, but a more likely scenario is that pharmacies will go by age only and send everyone else to their doctorâs office to deal with vaccinations. Our Costco pharmacy would do that in the past with other age-restricted vaccines.
3 Likes
I understand the sentiment, but itâs not the FDAâs (or CDCâs) job to decide who pays under our health âsystemâ. Whether an insurer covers something is up to them. Whether something is covered 100% under preventive is up to ACIP per ACA. (and who RFK replaced)
Iâm starting to wonder if I need to start thinking about plan B if what Iâm afraid will happen does and there will be no Covid vaccines available.
Can I go to Canada? Iâm flying to Europe this fall. Could I get a covid vaccine at a walk in clinic?
Iâm very serious. And afraid that soon all MRNA vaccines will not be available for anyone
2 Likes
XFG (sometimes called Stratus) appears to be the predominant variant in the US now.
XFG is a recombination of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. Both are descendants of JN.1. The 2024 COVID-19 vaccine targeted KP.2 or JN.1, while the 2025 COVID-19 vaccine targets LP.8.1.
I have checked our scheduling options with Walgreens which works best with my husbandâs insurance. They are stating a prescription is required for under 65 so I have reached out to my doctor requesting one. I do have a qualifying condition. CVS doesnât work well with my husbandâs insurance but they seem to be only asking people to self attest to an underlying condition.
Our local CVS pharmacies are making appts for latest covid shots online beginning 9/5. My favorite pharmacy is only going to have Pfizer so I will see when Walgreens gets theirs and if they have Moderna.
If we may not get another vaccine for a long while, iâd rather had more serum from Moderna for maybe longer protection.
CVSâs near me are offering Pfizer or Moderna starting 9/5.
Yes, website has updated and now depending on which branch, you get whichever the CVs stocks. I just made an appointment for late Sept for our Moderna vax.
Costco says check back in Sept/October:
https://www.costco.com/pharmacy/adult-immunization-program.html
Interesting there is a price list for all of the shots they offer (if not covered by the insurance).
I received a reply from my primary doc - I am not surprised by it.
âRight now, vaccines are prioritized for people 65 and older or those with certain health conditions. Since youâre XX age and donât fall into those groups, itâs understandable that pharmacies arenât offering the vaccine yet. However, because you regularly care for immunocompromised family members, itâs important to stay cautiousâwear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid unnecessary exposures. I am not aware when eligibility will expand, but I recommend checking with your pharmacy periodically, as vaccine guidelines may change soon.â
I may try Costco. Since I shop there regularly, Iâll just ask the pharmacist when I shop next week.