SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Some Americans are still reluctant to get the COVID vaccine years after those first doses were sent out. A lot of this hesitancy comes from two reasons: Recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies and worries about insurance coverage.
The FDA approved the next round of COVID shots late last month, but with that approval comes new restrictions.
The agency is now limiting the new shots to people who are at risk for serious complications because they are 65 or older, or those with serious health problems, or if a doctor prescribes the vaccine.
This decision is expected to make it difficult for healthy children and adults to get the vaccine.
The FDA approval comes just days before Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tense hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
The health secretary, a longtime critic of vaccines, cut nearly $500,000,000 in funding for new vaccines in early August.
These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Even with the approval, vaccine hesitancy is still ongoing.
"This is one of the most heated topics I've encountered as a pharmacist," Owner and Pharmacist of DePietro's Pharmacy in Dunmore, Tom DePietro, said.
DePietro says he educates patients, but ultimately lets them make the decision for themselves.
"We know the vaccines have been around. We know the vaccines have been effective. We know that they continue to follow and study the safety. Based on all of the research that I have done. Based on the data that supports the vaccines. There are certainly some reasons why some people would want to get the vaccine. Then there are certainly reasons why some would not want to get the vaccine," DePietro explained.
Jessica Symons is a patient at DePietro's.
She says she gets the vaccines to protect others.
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"We got the COVID vaccine when it first came out, and I've only had COVID once, so every year I get my flu shot and my COVID booster. So, knock on wood, it's been working. My dad has Parkinson's, so I want to keep him safe. So, I don't want to get anybody sick and I don't want to be sick," Symons told 28/22 News.
According to NBC News, the new shots could also come with an unwanted surprise for some.
Experts say the new approval could impact what insurers are willing to cover for those who aren't in high-risk groups.
The CDC's price list says a COVID shot could cost upwards of $140 without insurance.
DePietro says patients shouldn't worry about this. In most cases, it's an easy fix.
"Many insurance companies have to add the new vaccines into their system. So, when we see an insurance not recognizing the vaccine, it's not that they're not willing to pay for it. It's just that they don't recognize the code," DePietro stated.
DePietro says he always considers the patient's age, risk factors, and surroundings before recommending a vaccine.
