This note has been translated into Spanish and edited by a English version.
As federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines dwindles, bringing those vaccines closer to market, public health officials brace for access problemsparticularly among underinsured and uninsured populations.
To increase the vaccination rate in the country, the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, stressed that the goal is to keep vaccines readily available at no cost, but everything depends on the support of Congress. year.
President Joe Biden has pledged to make vaccines freely available to all Americans, Becerra confirmed The Nevada Independent during an interview in early November.
“We have been engaged in a double track. First, we’re making these vaccines available now, free of charge,” Becerra said. “At the same time, we’re working to commercialize the vaccines so they’re available but through the marketplace.”
When the vaccines are released, the price per dose could be around $130 without insurance. Becerra clarified that insurance companies would have to pay for the vaccine, but the government would work to keep it accessible to the uninsured.
“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that people have access to vaccines with what they can afford,” Becerra said. “And for some people it might not be money, so we want people to get vaccinated because none of us are safe until we’re all safe.”
Although Becerra described seeing “pandemic fatigue” among the general population, he commented that the Triple threat COVID, RSV and the flu has led to more people staying up to date with their vaccinations. However, she noted that everyone should take steps to protect themselves so they can enjoy the holiday season.
In mid-November, with budget discussions underway, the White House requested more than $8 billion in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts that would aid in the development of vaccines and treatments against the virus as it mutates.
Health officials, including Becerra, have reiterated that funding is essential to reverse low vaccination rates, address impending variants of the virus and prepare for future diseases and pandemics.
Becerra said the pandemic has highlighted the need to protect the community through the promotion and availability of vaccines.
“As much as we try to do everything we can once the well runs out, only those who have access to another well will be able to continue to receive the health services they need,” Becerra said. “COVID has taught us… why it’s important not to miss people because it’s not just them who get sick.”
Whether the funding will be approved remains to be seen. Republicans in Congress have criticized the Biden administration’s previous spending on COVID-19 humanitarian aid. With a Republican majority in the House of Representatives, the party could block funding requests.
“We’re constantly looking at what we need to do to be one step ahead,” Becerra said. “It’s not free.”
