RAD - CDC to offer free COVID vaccines for Americans without insurance

2023-07-13 14:15:36 ET

The U.S. CDC announced on Thursday announced a short-term program to provide free COVID-19 shots for those without insurance coverage as manufacturers move their products to a commercial market following an end to government-led procurements.

Under the CDC's Bridge Access Program, free COVID vaccines will be available for an estimated 25M – 30M adults who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.

The program, to be launched in Fall 2023 after COVID-19 vaccines move onto the commercial market, will end in December 2024, the CDC said.

The agency will procure the vaccines and allocate them through its established network of state and local immunization programs with the support of multiple partners, including healthcare providers and retail pharmacy chains.

"Protecting people from COVID-19 remains a top priority for CDC," CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen remarked, adding, "vaccination is especially important as we head into fall and winter, a time when COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases are likely to circulate."

Leading pharmacy chains in the U.S.: CVS Health Corporation ( CVS ), Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ), Rite Aid Corporation ( RAD )

Pfizer ( NYSE: PFE ), BioNTech ( NASDAQ: BNTX ), Moderna ( NASDAQ: MRNA ), and Novavax ( NASDAQ: NVAX ) are planning to update their FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines to currently circulating variants.

In June, the FDA revoked the emergency use authorization granted for Johnson & Johnson's ( JNJ ) COVID vaccine following the manufacturer's request.

More on COVID-19 vaccine makers

• FDA advisors recommend updated COVID shots against XBB variants
• Moderna files application with FDA for updated COVID shot
• Moderna: Buy While It's Cheap (Rating Upgrade)

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