As federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines dwindles, putting the commercialization of those vaccines in closer sight, public health officials are bracing for access issues, especially among underinsured and uninsured populations.
U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said he and other officials are focusing on spreading information about existing free vaccines. He said the goal is to keep the vaccines readily available at no cost, but it all hinges on funding support from Congress.
President Joe Biden committed to making vaccines available for all Americans free of charge, Becerra told The Nevada Independent during an interview in early November. But he said that could change sometime next year unless Congress provides additional funding for the program.
“We’ve been engaged on a dual track. One, we’re making these vaccines available now, free of charge,” Becerra said. “At the same time, we’re working towards commercializing the vaccines so that they will be available but through the commercial market.”
When the vaccines become commercialized, the price per dose could be about $130 before insurance. Becerra said insurance companies are expected to pay for the vaccine, but the government will work to keep the vaccine affordable for those who may lack insurance.
In mid-November, amid ongoing budget discussions, the White House requested more than $8 billion in additional funding for COVID-19 response efforts that would aid the development of COVID vaccines and treatments as the virus mutates. Health officials, including Becerra, have reiterated that the funding is essential for boosting low vaccination rates, addressing forthcoming virus variants and preparing for future diseases and pandemics.
Whether the funding will be approved remains to be seen. Republicans in Congress have been critical of the Biden administration’s past spending on COVID-19 relief aid. With a GOP majority in the House of Representatives, the party could block the funding requests.
Officials are seeing lower cases of COVID than in the past two years. Officials said lower caseloads are occurring as people build an "immunity wall." However, it was noted that people are experiencing the flu and RSV at higher rates because of the "immunity debt" people acquired while not being around each other during the lockdown.
As a result, health care workers are seeing more cross-viral infections among patients.
Officials are encouraging people to revive their infection prevention methods, such as frequent hand washing and staying home while sick.