In various regions across the country, seniors are expressing growing frustration as they face obstacles in obtaining COVID-19 vaccinations amid a surge in cases. Reports indicate that new policies from the Trump administration are complicating the vaccination process, particularly for older individuals. Matthew D'Amico, a 67-year-old resident of New York City, recently encountered a setback when a Walgreens pharmacy refused to vaccinate him and his 75-year-old wife due to the absence of a prescription. Their urgency to get vaccinated stems from an upcoming trip, and D’Amico's disbelief reflects a broader sentiment among seniors. “I can’t believe we can’t get” the vaccine, he lamented during an interview. “I’ve been inoculated a number of times and never had to get a prescription. It’s just very frustrating that this is where we are.”
Many older adults are not alone in their frustration. The shift in vaccination policy under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccines, has made it increasingly challenging for individuals to receive their COVID-19 shots this year. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as for younger individuals with underlying health conditions. Consequently, people under 65 who wish to get vaccinated must either consult a healthcare provider or declare their health status to a pharmacy, which adds an unnecessary layer of complexity to the process.
The difficulties aren't limited to seniors. Younger adults are also facing similar challenges while trying to access the COVID-19 vaccine. Alex Benson, a 34-year-old with an immune-suppressing condition, shared his experience at a CVS in Orange County, where he was questioned about his eligibility for the vaccine. Despite his urgent need to protect himself and his high-risk family members, he was asked for a prescription or to justify why he needed the vaccine. Although he eventually received the vaccine after clarification from another staff member, Benson found the entire experience disheartening. “I think easy access should be the policy,” he stated, highlighting the irony of an administration that typically advocates for fewer regulations imposing additional barriers to healthcare access.
The backdrop of this vaccination chaos is a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases nationwide. Recent data reveals that 14 states, including California, Texas, and Florida, are reporting “very high” levels of coronavirus detected in their wastewater. Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, noted an uptick in outpatient COVID-19 cases this past week, suggesting that we may be nearing the peak of this wave of infections. The positivity rate for COVID-19 tests in California has also surged, reaching 12.83% for the week ending August 30, compared to 7.05% earlier in the month.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grapples with internal chaos and leadership changes, the inconsistency in federal COVID-19 vaccine policy continues to confuse residents. Following the dismissal of key personnel, including the CDC director, the agency has not provided clear recommendations on vaccination eligibility. Consequently, many states require individuals to obtain prescriptions from healthcare providers, even seniors like D'Amico. CVS has indicated that in several states, including Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina, a prescription may be necessary to get a COVID-19 vaccine. This situation complicates access to vaccinations for many who wish to get vaccinated.
In response to the regulatory confusion, some states on the West Coast, including California, Washington, and Oregon, have established the West Coast Health Alliance. This interstate compact aims to provide science-based immunization guidance as an alternative to the CDC. Governor Gavin Newsom's office stated that this alliance will ensure that residents receive credible information about vaccines, free from political interference. However, it remains uncertain whether such initiatives will simplify the process for individuals trying to get COVID-19 vaccines at major pharmacy retailers, which continue to be a primary source for vaccinations.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the challenges surrounding vaccination access must be addressed to ensure that all individuals, especially seniors and those with underlying health conditions, can receive their vaccines without unnecessary barriers.
