Cases of COVID-19 have been steadily increasing in North Carolina, resulting in a surge in emergency department visits and hospital admissions. In response to this concerning trend, an updated booster shot for COVID-19 has recently been approved and shipped to local pharmacies. However, there are growing concerns about the availability of this booster shot for the general public.
Unlike previous COVID-19 vaccines, the federal government is no longer covering the cost of the booster shot. As a result, pharmacies have the responsibility of placing orders and paying for doses directly from the manufacturer. Each dose of the booster shot comes with a price tag ranging from $100 to $130, which has raised worries about the financial burden it might pose on individuals seeking to protect themselves against the virus.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that the booster shot has a limited shelf life. For the Moderna vaccine, doses need to be administered within 3 to 4 weeks of arrival, while the Pfizer vaccine has a slightly longer shelf life of 10 weeks. This places an additional burden on pharmacies, as they must carefully gauge the demand for the booster shot and order an appropriate amount to avoid wasting doses and losing money.
To ensure that individuals can access the booster shot, it is recommended that patients reach out to their local pharmacies to inquire about availability and whether insurance coverage extends to the cost of the shot. Unfortunately, those who are uninsured may face more difficulties in obtaining the booster shot. In such cases, they can consider visiting local health departments or paying out of pocket for the vaccine.
As the delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities. Contacting local pharmacies and exploring vaccination options can significantly contribute to breaking the chain of transmission and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
