- 11/13/2024 11:47:37 PM
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As we brace ourselves for the annual waves of COVID-19, health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated regularly, much like the flu shot. Yet, a tangled web of insurance rules and public health policies is complicating the process, especially for those who need it most. Let’s break down the current situation and what it means for you.
As the CDC gears up to approve a new COVID-19 vaccine, scheduled for yearly updates, the best months for getting vaccinated are September and October. But how do you navigate this process in Long Beach? The answer largely depends on your insurance status.
Residents are also advised against seeking vaccinations from Long Beach Public Health, which complicates the process further.
For those without insurance, the situation is dire. The city's vaccine stockpile is reserved for uninsured or underinsured residents, which represents around 8% of the population. Sandy Wedgeworth, who oversees the city’s communicable disease efforts, notes that the lack of funding and complicated eligibility criteria are hindering vaccination efforts.
Many local healthcare providers are not carrying the COVID-19 vaccine due to low demand, leaving residents struggling to find options. In fact, a recent query revealed the nearest provider with available doses is in Compton, far from Long Beach.
The CDC's Bridge Access Program, which has been funding vaccines for the uninsured, is slated to end, leaving many wondering how they will afford the new vaccine. Some estimates suggest that uninsured residents could face out-of-pocket costs as high as $201.99.
This year has seen a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, with Los Angeles County reporting a positivity rate of 14.3% as of early August. Long Beach alone has seen over 1,100 reported cases and 56 hospitalizations since July, although many cases go unreported due to at-home testing.
As we prepare for the upcoming vaccination season, the disparities in access and information highlight the need for clearer communication and improved systems to ensure everyone can get vaccinated.
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