Local health systems urge patients to consult with professionals for COVID-19 vaccine decision
In the wake of changes to the United States’ official policy on the COVID-19 vaccine announced Monday, Oct. 6, local health systems are encouraging patients to consult with medical professionals before making decisions regarding whether to get the shot.
“The physicians and providers at Independence Health System are committed to practicing evidence-based medicine in making their clinical decisions,” said Dr. Michael Fiorina, Chief Medical Officer at Independence Health System. “We recognize that each patient can have unique circumstances that may make a medical decision difficult for them. If there are questions you should make an appointment with your provider to discuss what is best for you.”
Statements like these come in the wake of the decision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday to adopt a policy of encouraging “shared clinical decision-making” — urging citizens to consult with medical professionals before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC’s ruling was based on a recommendation made last month by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which stated that the risk/benefit for the COVID-19 vaccine was better for those at severe risk of the disease than for those who weren’t — including senior citizens and those with underlying illnesses.
According to Fiorina, doctors at Independence Health System are more likely to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to those most vulnerable to the disease.
“We are more likely to recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for those over the age of 65, or those with chronic medical conditions which could lead to hospitalization or death if they should contract COVID-19,” Fiorina said. “These conditions include but are not limited to, lung diseases, heart disease, diabetes and immune system deficiencies.”
Fiorina states that patients at Independence Health System’s primary care facilities should have no problem finding a COVID-19 vaccine.
“As of this time there have not been any problems with obtaining the COVID-19 vaccines, and none are anticipated as of now,” Fiorina said.
Nikki Buccina, a spokesperson for the Allegheny Health Network, made a similar comment.
“Anyone who is 6 months and older and wishes to receive the COVID vaccine can receive it at AHN,” Buccina said. “As a health system, we remain committed to providing access to preventive health measures, and all patients are encouraged to consult with their respective health care provider to make informed decisions about vaccinations based on their individual preferences, needs and circumstances.”
According to Fiorina, any changes in COVID-19 policy at Independence Health System and other local health systems are decided by a monthly committee.
“Independence Health System participates in a monthly regional consortium of the Chief Medical Officers for all the health systems in the Western Pennsylvania region,” Fiorina said. “The health systems share best practices and policies to make sure that the community is receiving a unified message that is based on peer reviewed, evidence-based data.”
Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens have also served as key vaccine distribution vectors since the peak of the pandemic. Ethan Slavin, a spokesperson for CVS Pharmacy, says customers can still receive COVID-19 vaccines at all CVS locations without a prescription.
“We are able to offer the updated COVID-19 vaccines to patients nationwide,” Slavin said. “Prescriptions from outside prescribers are not required in any states.”
A spokesperson from Walgreens issued a statement that the pharmacy chain had started issuing COVID-19 vaccines at all nationwide locations with no prescription required.
The recent decision by the CDC adds another complication for those who may be seeking a COVID-19 vaccination in the future. Because the vaccination is no longer strictly “recommended,” insurance companies may no longer cover the cost of receiving one.
“The changing of the word ‘recommended’ has given insurance companies the opportunity to deny coverage for this service. A patient will still be able to receive the vaccination; they just may need to pay the cost of the vaccination,” Fiorina said. “This is a decision that will be made by the insurance companies, and not our health system or your provider.”
Allegheny Health Network is a subsidiary of Highmark, which, along with UPMC, is one of the two major health insurance providers serving the Pittsburgh area.
“Highmark will cover COVID shots for people whose physicians say it is necessary, including those who are not in the high-risk category,” Buccina said. “Highmark does not require a prescription to cover the shot, but some clinics or pharmacies may require one. Members should check with the facility where they plan to get the shot to see if a prescription is needed before making an appointment.”
Speaking on behalf of insurance company Aetna, which is also owned by CVS, Slavin added, “We continue to provide coverage for approved vaccines, including COVID-19, in compliance with applicable state and federal cost-sharing requirements. All members of insured plans voluntarily choosing to vaccinate against COVID-19 may do so with no cost sharing.”
