NANASP, Alliance for Aging Research, and National Consumers League on behalf of 28 organizations sent letters to five insurance providers requesting that they refrain from any cost-cutting dealmaking with PBMs that will result in limited availability of certain vaccines at local, in-network pharmacies during the upcoming respiratory virus season. These types of business practices could limit access to critical vaccines that protect older Americans and those who are immunocompromised.
For years, NANASP has advocated for access to vaccines for older Americans, and there's a new one available for a long-standing illness: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The RSV vaccine acts as a safeguard, significantly reducing the risk and severity of respiratory infections. Discuss the vaccine with your healthcare provider to assess its relevance to your health. Stay informed and prioritize preventive measures to ensure a resilient and healthy golden phase. Older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV.
Did you know you RSV vaccines are completely covered by Medicare and many private insurances?
Pneumococcal Vaccines Are Key for Older Adults!
For years, NANASP has advocated for access to vaccines for older Americans, which has only grown more important as we navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are other vaccines that older Americans need too, including to protect against pneumococcal disease.
The good news is there are new vaccines that have been approved by the FDA to help offer even stronger protection against pneumococcal disease.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a sub-committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has recommended these vaccines for those aged 65+ and with underlying health conditions. NANASP testified in favor of expanding this recommendation to include adults aged 50+. Unfortunately, ACIP chose to keep the current recommendation for adult pneumococcal vaccines.
Now, it’s even more important that individuals have specific conversations with their health care provider about what vaccines they need and when.
What vaccines do you need? Click here to find out! You can learn more about pneumococcal disease here.
Click here to sign up for our mailing list to stay informed on all vaccines!