SHANELLR KAUL:
00:00:44
The Food and Drug Administration has imposed new restrictions on who is eligible for the vaccine, and in many cases, regardless of your age, you will need a prescription. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder.
CELINE GOUNDER:
00:00:58
Yes, aging parents over 65, they're eligible. But say you're between six months and 64 years of age. And you do not have a risk factor for severe COVID. That is the group where we really have a lot of uncertainty.
SHANELLR KAUL:
00:01:10
For now, CVS is limiting access to the vaccine in 16 states, and Washington, DC, and requiring prescriptions in 13 states, regardless of your age and not offering the vaccine at all in Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico. In the remaining states, the vaccine is available to all without a prescription. CBS News medical contributor Dr. David Agus says out-of-pocket costs should be covered.
DAVID AGUS:
00:01:36
Insurance companies looks like they're all going to cover through 2025.
SHANELLR KAUL:
00:01:41
Confusion about who can access vaccines mirrors chaos at the CDC. The White House named a new interim head of the agency with no medical background, prompting the resignation of four senior officials at the CDC. And Jericka, this uncertainty is largely based on who can administer the vaccine in each state. Pharmacists versus doctors. Now, if you go to a pharmacy, and you can't get the vaccine you want, you can always go to your doctor.
JERICKA DUNCAN:
00:02:10
Good advice, Shanelle Kaul. Thank you.
