The Impact of Vaccine Costs on COVID Vaccination Rates: What to Expect This Fall

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

Last year, when COVID vaccines were free, only about 20% of Americans got the latest dose. Now that some people may need to pay over $100 for the shot, health officials expect even fewer people to get vaccinated this fall.

Meanwhile, a strong summer surge of COVID cases is hitting Kansas and Missouri. As students return to school, more people are testing positive, visiting emergency rooms, and getting hospitalized, according to the CDC.

In Kansas City, the case rate at the end of July was more than twice what it was last year and approaching last winter’s levels. Wastewater tests also showed high viral activity in Kansas and Missouri.

The virus is less deadly than it was during the peak of the pandemic. In January 2021, COVID was responsible for nearly 30% of weekly deaths in the U.S. By August 3, it was responsible for just 1.5% of deaths. However, experts say this improvement is largely due to vaccines. Some health professionals think the recent surge is linked to low vaccination rates last fall.

“The urgency of COVID has obviously gone down,” said Cecelia Thomas, a health policy consultant. “People are seeing it as a mild illness, but they might not realize it’s less severe because they’re vaccinated.”

Immunity weakens over time as the virus changes. Doctors recommend getting an updated COVID shot annually to stay protected. But many Americans skipped the vaccine last year, with only 16% of adults getting the updated shot by December, and 22.5% by May.

The current summer surge is surprising some experts. Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University Medical Center attributes it to last year’s low vaccination rates. Hospitals don’t report COVID admissions anymore, but doctors are seeing more cases.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson from the University of Kansas Health System advises high-risk individuals to be cautious. This includes wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying updated on vaccines. The updated COVID vaccine can help prevent severe illness and reduce the risk of long COVID.

Getting a COVID vaccine will be harder and more expensive this fall. During the pandemic’s peak, vaccines were free. Since the federal Public Health Emergency ended in May 2023, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance still cover the vaccine, but those without insurance might pay over $100. Johnson County lists the cost of a COVID shot at $160, and there’s often an additional $20 administration fee.

Public health officials worry that higher costs might lead people to skip the vaccine, leading to more infections and hospitalizations in future surges. The current COVID strains, known as FLiRT variants, are highly contagious but generally mild for most people due to existing immunity. However, the virus could become more dangerous, making vaccines crucial.

These vaccines have saved millions of lives, Schaffner said. But you need to get vaccinated for the protection to work.

Officials recommend testing for symptoms, isolating if positive, and taking precautions like wearing masks to prevent spreading the virus. Antiviral medications can also help reduce severe disease.

 

 

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