L'aumento dei casi di COVID-19 porta a carenze di vaccini, alimentando la frustrazione e l'ira pubblica
In recent weeks, doctors and pharmacists have been flooded with questions about the uncertainty surrounding the long-available vaccines this fall. The role of pharmacists as healthcare professionals authorized to administer the vaccine remains unclear, with the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices yet to issue recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the COVID-19 vaccine only for select groups, and as of fall 2021, adults under 65 years are required to have a prescription for the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement has caused some confusion, as neither Walgreens nor CVS are allowing adults in California under age 65 to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments unless they attest to having an underlying medical condition.
Meanwhile, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that high-risk children get the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as all children age 6 months to 23 months. However, parents are required to talk to a healthcare professional before their children can be vaccinated.
The FDA's decision and the prescription requirement have been met with criticism. The Department of Health and Human Services, led by vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced that adults under 65 will have to consult with a healthcare professional or, in some states, attest that they have an underlying medical condition before they can get the updated version of the COVID vaccination this fall. This new regulatory landscape is expected to discourage some people from getting the vaccine this fall.
The Trump administration's actions have postponed the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and made it harder for people to get them. In contrast, states like Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have taken steps so that people wouldn't have to get prescriptions to get their COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy.
Despite the challenges, some healthcare professionals are taking action. Ball, an Orange County pediatrician, plans on offering vaccinations based on the AAP schedule, including any of his patients who want a COVID vaccine.
However, concerns remain about the future of vaccine requirements. Ball is concerned about actions taken in Florida, where officials are moving to end vaccine requirements as a condition of entry into schools. The recent ousting of CDC director Susan Monarez, who claimed she was fired for resisting Kennedy's pressure to compromise science, has added to these concerns.
As the fall approaches, it seems that the COVID-19 vaccine situation remains uncertain, with many questions about its availability, administration, and safety still unanswered. For those seeking the vaccine, it is essential to stay informed and consult with healthcare professionals for guidance.
