HHS, CMS Announce Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Available at No Cost

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that people with Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, private insurance coverage, or no health insurance coverage can get the updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines at no cost.

According to CMS, these COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available at no cost to all, so long as the federal government continues to purchase and distribute the vaccines.

“The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech updated vaccines that target the original COVID-19 viral strain and 2 Omicron variants (BA.4/BA.5) that are currently the most prevalent in the United States,” wrote CMS.

Regardless of how many COVID-19 boosters an individual has received, individuals are eligible for their updated vaccine shot at least 2 months after completing at least their primary vaccination series (2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson).

The updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for individuals 12 years of age and older, while the updated Moderna vaccine is authorized in individuals 18 years of age and older.

CMS reported they continue to explore ways to ensure maximum access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Reference:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Updated COVID-19 vaccines providing protection against Omicron variant available at no cost. September 12, 2022. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/news-alert/updated-covid-19-vaccines-providing-protection-against-omicron-variant-available-no-cost