Front Porch Conversations: What’s going on with the Covid vaccine?

Is it true I can’t get a Covid-19 vaccine this year? I am middle-aged, but I take care of my dad who is 78. I worry about everything. 

Welcome to our front porch!

On August 27, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote the following in a social media post: 

“I promised 4 things:  

1. to end covid vaccine mandates.

2. to keep vaccines available to people who want them, especially the vulnerable.

3. to demand placebo-controlled trials from companies.

4. to end the emergency.  

In a series of FDA actions today we accomplished all four goals. The emergency use authorizations for Covid vaccines, once used to justify broad mandates on the general public during the Biden administration, are now rescinded.

FDA has now issued marketing authorization for those at higher risk: Moderna (6+ months), Pfizer (5+), and Novavax (12+). These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.

The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three.” 

In a prior social media post, written in May, Kennedy announced that Covid-19 vaccines were removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for healthy children and pregnant women. 

On June 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a press release stating that all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices were being removed. Kennedy later appointed new members to serve on the committee. 

On August 27, the same day Kennedy stated that the “American people demanded science, safety, and common sense,” he fired Susan Monarez, Ph.D., the newly appointed director of the CDC. Since then, other CDC officials have resigned, and the department is in a bit of chaos. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved an updated Covid vaccine, but limited its use to those who are 65 or older, or those with at least one high-risk health condition, like asthma. Also, as a result of these new FDA guidelines, insurance may or may not cover the vaccine. 

This upheaval at the highest level of government as well as the updated guidance on vaccines, including the confusion over the need for a physician’s order, have created a high demand for the covid vaccine causing a brief shortage of the vaccine in some areas. 

This week, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, is scheduled to meet to discuss the Covid vaccine. This may, or may not, change policies regarding the vaccine. 

Our best guidance throughout all of this uncertainty is for you to contact your pharmacist, local health department, or primary care provider to see if you are able to receive a Covid vaccination. They will have the most updated information for you, and will be able to discuss any specific concerns you may have.

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