I had my third bout of Covid after we returned from Paris last month. Everyone else in my family has only had it once. I guess I’m just the unlucky one.
I want to get the mNEXSPIKE. Isn’t that the updated one? It is 1/5 of the dosage of SpikeVax because it targets specific parts of the spike protein.
Yes, I checked around and was able to get it at a pharmacy near us. One CVS had pfizer and the other had moderna. We chose the moderna with the MNexSpike.
WaPO Dr. Wen:
Advice for accessing coronavirus shots
There are three main reasons why readers are reporting so many difficulties getting shots. The first is that the FDA narrowed eligibility for them. For the first time, people under 65 may need to prove that they have underlying medical conditions to receive the updated vaccine.
The second is that though the FDA has approved the shot, the CDC has not issued its guidance on it. This is highly unusual. In previous years, the CDC vaccine advisory committee met within days of the FDA’s approval, and the CDC director issued decisions immediately after. This year, the CDC advisory committee is not scheduled to meet until Sept. 18-19, and Kennedy recently ousted the CDC director.
That impacts at least 18 states that tie pharmacy dispensing of vaccines to CDC recommendations. As a result, many pharmacies in these states are requiring prescriptions, even for people older than 65.
Under normal circumstances, I would advise readers to simply wait for the upcoming meeting. If CDC and FDA guidance were to align, that would at least remove barriers for older adults seeking the vaccine.
But as Karen from North Carolina pointed out, this outcome is far from guaranteed. Kennedy is reportedly considering appointing new members ahead of the meeting, several of whom have publicly disparaged coronavirus vaccines. Kennedy himself has been openly hostile toward these shots in the past, and without a CDC director willing to hold the line, the agency could well issue guidance that makes access even more challenging.
The third issue is insurance coverage, which is closely tied to CDC recommendations. Under federal law, most private insurers and Medicare must cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s advisory committee. Because of the delay in the CDC’s decision, that coverage varies widely. Depending on what the agency ultimately decides, this situation could improve, but it could also become more confusing if the CDC imposes additional restrictions.
Given all these uncertainties, I do not recommend waiting. People who live in states where the shot is currently accessible should go ahead and get it now.
Those who anticipate problems should find out what they need by first calling their local pharmacies. If a prescription is needed, ask exactly what information must be included and relay those details to your health care provider.
People who live near a state line may also want to check pharmacies across the border, as rules may be less strict there. They should also call multiple pharmacy chains, as they may have different policies.
For people under 65, it’s worth checking the CDC’s list of medical conditions that increase the risk of severe covid. These include obesity, current or past smoking, and mood disorders such as depression. Make note of any conditions you have, and be prepared to point them out to your pharmacist or physician if asked.
Some states have issued a standing order that permits pharmacists give the vaccine without a prescription from a doctor. If you live in one of these states but a pharmacy still insists on a prescription, ask to speak with the manager and inquire whether they are aware of the new standing order.
You might also want to proactively call your insurance provider to check whether the vaccine is covered. Even if it isn’t now, that could change as some states are updating their laws to require coverage.
None of these fixes alone can compensate for the broader erosion of the vaccine infrastructure that Kennedy appears intent on pursuing. I will be following the upcoming advisory meeting closely, but given what we’ve seen so far, no one should expect a quick fix to this fractured system. In fact, the outcome may worsen the patchwork and mark it harder for people to get the vaccines they need.
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that’s a very good review.
The only thing missing (IMO) is a recommendation to those living in the ~18 ‘impacted’ states to contact their state rep and/or Governor to modify their state regs to accept the FDA guidelines and not wait for the ACIP meeting, (as a handful of Governors have already done).
Justice Brandeis: “laboratories of democracy”
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I qualify to get it many ways (age, diabetes, weight) but I can’t get it yet because I just entered a clinical study for eye medication (which I can’t afford if I’m not in the clinical study) and I have to get permission before I start any new medications or get vaccinations. I got the first treatment a week ago and the administrator was supposed to call Duke to get it approved but I haven’t heard back so called today to remind her.
I’m right on schedule as I think I got my last booster in Feb or March but I also know several people who recently got Covid and I’d like the new vaccine. Soon. And a flu shot, and a pneumonia shot.
My poor brother has tested positive for covid 4 separate times, despite having 7 shots/boosters. H may have had it even more times but those were the times he tested and was +.
I, H, D and S have had it once. H & I attended a 80th birthday party for one of H’s buddies and everyone on our table got covid and the next day I attended my mom’s funeral. I didn’t get anyone sick as I wore a mask and the people I sat with to eat tested and said they remained healthy.
One nephew-in-law and 2 grand nephews haven’t ever had covid. My mom and dad never got it either. The rest of our clan have all had it one or more times. I’m not sure whether DIL has had COVID either. We are all on team vaccination!
Pneumonia vaccine is not generally a yearly one, although if you have not had it before, or had earlier versions with fewer serotypes, then you may want to get one of the newer ones with more serotypes (PCV20 / Prevnar 20 or PCV21 / Capvaxive).
How severe were those infections, and did they get less severe in the later ones?
I’m not sure. My PT and her S got covid before there were tests or treatments available and both got long covid from that. Every time they get any vaccination, the long covid symptoms get a bit better for awhile. The moderna vaccination really helps them do they’ve gotten all their boosters. m
I don’t know anyone who has been hospitalized for covid but my retired lung doc lost several family members to covid.
For anyone using Kaiser Permanente:
“Starting September 15, members can walk in or make an appointment to get the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will be available at no cost for Kaiser Permanente members 6 months and older. Updated vaccine locations and hours will be available on September 15.”
Thanks for the info. I have shared it.
Just got the latest Covid vaccination this morning as well as the flu shot. The CVS nurse told me they have been very busy.
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Ran to Costco during lunch to pick up some stuff for tonight, and boy the pharmacy was mobbed! Folks standing in line with immunization request forms.
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Curious what other posters think: We had our 7th booster (the former Moderna version) early May. Our plan was to have #8, 6 months later (early November) before flying. Over 65, so eligible for a free shot in our current state (at least for now), but probably too early. I really hate all the upheaval this administration is causing. So hard to plan what should be an easy decision.
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Found out my health insurance will cover it if I get the vaccine at a doctor’s office although they said the doctor’s office could charge for an office visit which would go towards my deductible which I have not met. If I go to a pharmacy, my prescription coverage applies and they said I do not have coverage for COVID vaccines on my plan. Waiting to hear from my doctor if they have them before I start calling urgent care/minute clinics.
your state of residence? (just curious if you live in one of the ~18 states that follow ACIP?
I would wait till November. If over 65 I don’t think you will have any trouble getting a booster.
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My doctors office no longer carries Covid vaccines and haven’t for a couple of years. Our only option is the pharmacy
We have a trip in November. I don’t want to get a vaccine now so I guess we will roll the dice that there will be availability
Missouri. I don’t think that’s the issue. I think it is just how my insurance is set up. I used to have the same problem with flu shots but they fixed that years ago.
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