An updated COVID-19 vaccine booster recently became available throughout the U.S., though the supply may not be fully aligned just yet with demand in communities.
Earlier this week, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel took to social media to voice her frustration after she scheduled a vaccination at a CVS Pharmacy and it ran out of the shots.
“Second time in a week I’ve made an appointment with @cvspharmacy for the new Covid vaccine, drove a half hour or more to a store, checked-in online, waited for the pharmacist, only to be told they’ve been out for days,” Nessel wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Such a slap in the face for patients and consumers.”
State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, echoed a similar experience, though she said the pharmacy notified her shortly before her appointment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved on Sept. 11 the latest update to the COVID vaccine, recommended, as of Sept. 12, for everyone 6 months and older by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna are each producing a monovalent mRNA shot that specifically targets the omicron variant XBB.1.5. Studies showed the shot would be similarly effective against the currently circulating omicron variants like EG.5 and BA.2.86.
Related: FDA approves new COVID-19 vaccine booster for 2023-24
A spokesperson for CVS Pharmacy said its stores are receiving the updated vaccine on a rolling basis and most locations can honor scheduled appointments. However, delivery delays to select stores have led to some appointments being rescheduled.
“While we make every effort to notify patients in advance, there may be instances where our pharmacies are unable to do so,” the spokesperson told MLive. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will continue to offer additional appointments at those locations as supply is received.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is recommending the updated vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Officials said they are “aware demand may be higher than available supply at this time,” though they expect supply to improve over time.
“Although one provider may run out of vaccine, other providers in the state should have supply,” said an MDHHS spokesperson.
Vaccine manufacturer Moderna said it shipped millions of doses of the updated vaccines to its distributors immediately after receiving FDA approval. They have continued to ship doses to distributors daily in respond to high demand.
Pfizer said it has a “substantial” supply of the new vaccine and does not have any shortage. They continue filling orders and anticipate delivering millions of additional doses weekly.
Most residents can still get a vaccine at no-cost. For those without insurance or people whose plans don’t cover the shot, there are ways to acquire free vaccines, including through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Health care providers, federally supported health centers and retail pharmacies participating in the program will provide the shots without charge through Dec. 31, 2024.
To find a vaccine provider near you, visit Vaccines.gov or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends.
Vaccine providers involved in the Bridge Access Program, including CVS Pharmacy, are contractually obligated to add vaccine availability to Vaccines.gov.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state health department’s chief medical executive, said getting the shot is how Michiganders protect themselves and their loved ones during the fall and winter virus seasons.
“It is important to make sure our families are up-to-date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease,” she said. “Now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are up-to-date on all your vaccines.”
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