CDC May Restrict Insurance Coverage for COVID Vaccines for Seniors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is poised to tighten access to COVID-19 vaccines for older adults. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet Friday to consider raising the recommended vaccination age from 65 to 75—or eliminating age-based recommendations entirely.

Insurers typically only cover vaccines for CDC-recommended groups. While some companies have pledged continued coverage through 2026, the potential policy shift could leave many seniors paying out-of-pocket. The committee's controversial chair, appointed by vaccine-skeptic Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., adds uncertainty to the decision.

Pharmacies are likely to see a surge of seniors seeking shots before Friday's meeting. The Washington Post reports the CDC may fundamentally reshape vaccination guidelines, potentially affecting millions of Americans' healthcare costs.