"Kaiser Permanente, the largest private health insurer in California, has announced it will make Covid-19 vaccinations available for free to all of its members over 6 months of age. The provider expects to have the new 2025-2026 vaccine in stock starting on September 15. The decision, the insurer said in a statement to The Oaklandside, "is based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical guidance from our physician experts and many other sources, including leading medical societies.""
"The policy is in a stark contrast with that of the federal Food and Drug Administration, which approved the new 2025-2026 vaccine only for people 65 years or older or who have an underlying condition such as diabetes or lung disease that puts them at risk of serious illness or death. Federal data shows most people in the United States get their vaccines from a pharmacy."
Kaiser Permanente will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to all members aged 6 months and older, with the new 2025-2026 vaccine expected in stock on September 15. Kaiser based the policy on the latest scientific evidence and clinical guidance from physician experts and leading medical societies. The FDA approved the 2025-2026 vaccine only for people 65 or older and for those with high-risk underlying conditions. Most U.S. vaccine doses are administered at pharmacies, where major chains currently offer free shots only to insured customers meeting FDA criteria; out-of-pocket costs range from $142 to $250. Kaiser covers about 8.5 million Californians and will offer vaccinations at Oakland Medical Center and other locations. California recommends offering COVID-19 vaccines to everyone aged 6 months or older and is coordinating with Oregon and Washington to expand access through the West Coast Health Alliance.
Read at The Oaklandside
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]