Updated 2023 fall vaccine chart
Plus a note on insurance and free antigen tests
I spied the YLE fall 2023 vaccine chart in the wild! So glad to see it’s getting used. Here’s an update and two random but relevant notes regarding Covid-19 tools.
Chart updates include…
Covid-19 vaccine: Eligibility determined. Ideal timing after infection added.
Flu vaccine: Updated effectiveness to match this year’s strain. (We got great news that the vaccine matches circulating strains well— The Southern Hemisphere reported a 52% effectiveness against hospitalization.)
Two random, but relevant notes
Insurance coverage for Covid-19 vaccines. There are many reports that people are being asked to pay for their Covid-19 vaccines. To be clear: no one should be paying for a vaccine.
Private insurance companies are mandated to cover this vaccine with no copay. What has changed since last year? Insurers are no longer required to pay for “out-of-network”. You may need to get your vaccine at your doctor’s office if your pharmacy is not in-network with your insurance plan.
Uninsured or underinsured adults: CVS/Walgreens are required by federal law to cover your vaccine at no cost to you, thanks to the new Bridge Program. This is just for Covid-19, not for RSV, unfortunately.
Uninsured or underinsured kids: Vaccines for Children cover all kid’s vaccines, not just Covid-19, for those that cannot pay.
Free Covid-19 tests are coming back! Starting Monday (Sept 25), households can receive 4 free rapid tests through USPS again. Order here: COVIDtests.gov. Shipments will start Oct. 2.
Paid subscribers
Below is a PDF file of the updated chart (English and Spanish). Feel free to download, print, distribute, or doodle on.