Residents of West Virginia who lack adequate health insurance can receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall through their local health departments, according to a spokesperson from the West Virginia Department of Health.
The state Bureau for Public Health has received extra funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This funding will help purchase COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults and children during the 2024-25 fall respiratory illness season. Gailyn M. Markham, the deputy director of communications for the state Office of Shared Administration, shared this information in an email to West Virginia Watch.
This funding comes after the federal Bridge Access Program ended, which had provided 13,766 free doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to uninsured individuals last year. The program concluded in August. Local health department officials previously stated that many could not afford vaccines for uninsured people without state or federal support.
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, adults without insurance face an out-of-pocket cost of about $140 for a dose, and the price may increase with pharmacy fees.
Residents who are uninsured or underinsured and need a COVID-19 vaccine should contact their local health department, Markham advised.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. This vaccination helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus.
In a recent news release, state health officials encouraged residents to get vaccinated and utilize a federal program that offers free COVID-19 tests. This call to action comes as COVID-19 cases are rising in West Virginia and across the country. Although cases increased this summer, the severity of the virus has decreased since the pandemic began.
State health officer Dr. Matt Christiansen emphasized the importance of staying updated on vaccinations, as the effectiveness of the shots diminishes over time.
The new vaccines are designed to better target currently circulating variants, providing improved protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Unlike previous versions, these updated vaccines enhance the immune response to the most common strains of the virus.
West Virginia households can order four free COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the U.S. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the U.S. Postal Service. These tests can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov, which is especially important as the holiday season approaches, according to the Department of Health.
“This initiative ensures that West Virginians have access to essential tools to protect themselves and their loved ones during this busy respiratory season,” stated Dr. Sherri Young, the Department of Health cabinet secretary. “With the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines available, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared. Testing remains a vital part of our response.”
For more information on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, residents should reach out to their local health departments, the Department of Health advised.
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