In late August, several constituents reached out to my office with concerns about receiving this year’s COVID-19 booster vaccine. Many were unable to schedule appointments at their local pharmacies because the federal government was no longer recommending the vaccine for all adults.
Massachusetts’ response
Spurred on by your calls to action, I was in contact with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and its Commissioner, Dr. Robbie Goldstein, to understand what actions Massachusetts will take to provide access to these vaccines.
Here are the steps the Commonwealth is taking as outlined in the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s release:
#1 – Insurance Coverage
The Division of Insurance (DOI), in coordination with DPH, issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations.
Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state (like COVID, flu, RSV, routine vaccinations for children like measles and chickenpox).
This action follows statutory language filed by Governor Healey in what’s called a close out supplemental budget (which is pending in Ways and Means) last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations.
#2 – Access to Vaccines
In response to the federal decisions limiting access to the COVID-19 booster, DPH issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. (Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician.)
Additionally, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens should now have appointments available for Massachusetts residents.
#3 – Partnering for public health
Governor Healey’s team is leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities.
This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine
Massachusetts residents should now be able to make appointments online at CVS and Walgreens. For those with health conditions that put you at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, you will need to click “yes” when booking an appointment with CVS.
If you are able to wait a few weeks, access is expected to open up for these appointments regardless of health status and concurrent conditions.
