Governor Healey Takes Action to Guarantee Bay Staters’ Access to COVID-19 Vaccine

By Art and Maura Keene

Governor Maura Healey announced on September 4, a set of immediate measures that her administration has enacted to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country. Massachusetts becomes the first state in the nation to impose its own vaccine coverage mandates.

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,”
Michael Caljouw, Insurance Commissioner

The move came in response to a change in vaccine guidance issued in May by Kennedy, limiting access to the COVID-19 vaccine and booster to those over age 65 or with a  documented chronic medical condition that puts them at risk. As a result of the order, many pharmacies have indicated that they would stop carrying the vaccine or have indicated that they would only administer it to people who have a prescription from a doctor.  

The new guidance conflicts with recommendations from major medical associations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which recommends that all pregnant individuals get the vaccine and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which  recommends that all children ages 6-23 months of age receive the vaccine as well as children who are high risk or who are living with someone who is high risk. Six major medical associations have sued Kennedy seeking to reverse his orders.

As of this writing, Kennedy has not released a list of which conditions qualify people to receive the vaccine under the chronic conditions provision, contributing to the reluctance of pharmacies to administer it. The previous listing for high risk, underlying conditions for COVID can be found here, but the CDC has not indicated whether it still applies. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which historically instructs the CDC on vaccine policy, will meet next week and it is expected that they will issue a new high risk list. Kennedy recently fired all 17 members of ACIP and replaced several with known anti-vaxxers.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kennedy said the guidelines fulfilled his promises to “end COVID vaccine mandates” and “keep vaccines available to people who want them, especially the vulnerable.” Kennedy insisted that the new guidance would not prevent anyone who wants the vaccine from getting it. But under the new guidance, insurance companies will not be required to pay for the vaccine for the large segment of the population for which it is no longer recommended, and physicians have expressed concern about liability for administering the vaccine off-label, that is, to those who are excluded from the new guidance.

Healey’s Interventions
Healey said, “Massachusetts has the best health care in the world. We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.” 

The Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts. 

First, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. 

“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted, it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility—a promise—we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.” 

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one, and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.” 

Second, Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. As of last week, CVS required a doctor’s prescription to receive the vaccine in 16 states. CBS news reports that CVS would not provide the vaccine in Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New Mexico, even with a prescription. However Healey’s directive has changed that for Bay Staters. Walgreens also requires a doctor’s prescription for a vaccine appointment in 16 states but not the same 16 states as CVS and not in Massachusetts. The Boston Globe reports that while there has been some intial confusion over who can receive the vaccine and where, that confusion is rapidly diminishing.

In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them to vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Third, Massachusetts is leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs. 

Healey said the move will “ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations.”

Latest Formulation Now Available
A check of local pharmacies indicated that the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine is available locally and Massachusetts residents should now be able to make appointments online at CVS and Walgreens.  Access is expected to open up regardless of health status after September 18.

Upcoming Vaccine Clinic in Amherst
The Town of Amherst will hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on October 21 from 2 to 5 p.m., limited to those aged 65 and over. The clinic will also offer flu vaccines for seniors aged 55 and over. Register here or call the Amherst Department of Public Health at 413-259-3077.

Read more: Trump Administration Releases Health strategy RFK Jr. Has ‘Been Dreaming About.’ Here Are the Key Takeaways. (Boston Globe)