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Updated COVID-19 vaccine available to everyone in Ohio regardless of insurance

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

September 14, 2023 2:43 PM

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone in Ohio, even people who don’t have insurance, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

“As we head into fall and winter, which typically are when we see increases in respiratory viruses, it is important that Ohioans keep up with their vaccines,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the ODH.

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially approved the updated vaccine, which will soon be available at pharmacies at retail stores like Meijer and CVS.

“If you have medical insurance, and that includes Medicare or Medicaid, vaccines should be covered as a preventive health service, which means you likely will have no out-of-pocket costs,” said Dr. Vanderhoff. “Those without insurance can take advantage of several programs to ensure they can continue to get free vaccines, as well.”

Nearly 75% of adult Ohioans received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Dr. Vanderhoff, who encouraged all Ohioans to stay up to date with their vaccines.

Why get an updated vaccine?

The CDC said the virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing. Hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The protection from COVID-19 vaccines does decline over time, so receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection against the variants.

Read more about research into the 2022-2023 COVID-19 vaccine protecting against illness and hospitalization.

Where to get updated COVID-19 vaccine

ODH will continue to offer vaccines free of charge to uninsured children through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program; the CDC’s Bridge Access Program will be in effect through the end of 2024 for uninsured adults.

As part of that program, the CDC has contracted with CVS, Walgreens and eTrue North pharmacies to allow them to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to people without insurance.

If you’re going to CVS, make an appointment for patients five and up at CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app.

Families can make group appointments.

Visit vaccines.gov to find providers participating in this program.

You can also get a COVID-19 vaccine at Meijer pharmacies by texting “VACCINE” to 75049, visiting Meijer’s clinic website, or calling your local Meijer pharmacy. Walk-in appointments are also accepted.

Read the CDC’s complete recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines here.