This fall, a new round of COVID vaccines will roll out across the U.S.—but this time, many Americans may be forced to pay.

The CDC and FDA are expected to limit official recommendations to only high-risk groups: older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant individuals. That change could mean that anyone outside those groups may face copays, partial coverage, or no coverage at all for the updated COVID shot—even if they want to protect themselves and their communities.

This decision could price people out of basic public health protection. And that’s unacceptable.

A COVID vaccine can cost up to $140 without insurance.

That may not be affordable for working families, gig workers, or those between jobs. Yet infectious disease experts agree: widespread access to vaccines keeps hospitalizations low, protects the vulnerable, and reduces the overall burden on our healthcare system.

If you’re healthy and want to get the vaccine, you should be able to—without worrying about surprise bills, coverage loopholes, or insurer discretion.

We’re calling on:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC to publicly urge insurers to cover COVID vaccines for all who want them—not just high-risk groups.

Congress to guarantee COVID vaccine access as a fully covered preventive service for all Americans, like flu shots.

Health insurers to commit to full coverage of COVID shots this fall, regardless of CDC recommendation language.
 

Vaccination should never be a luxury. Inconsistent coverage will only sow more confusion and mistrust at a time when public health needs clarity and confidence.