Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director, Bruce Vanderhoff says he remains confident that updated COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be readily available to all Ohioans including those without insurance.

"If you have medical insurance, and that includes Medicare or Medicaid, vaccines should be covered as a preventative health service, which means you likely have no out-of-pocket costs. Those without insurance can take advantage of several programs to ensure they can continue to get free vaccines as well," Dr. Vanderhoff said.

The FDA approved the updated vaccine, which has been formulated to better target the predominant variants currently circulating on Monday. The following day, the CDC recommended the vaccine for any one age six months old or older who had not received a vaccine within the past two months.

Supplies for the updated vaccine are expected to be available to providers by the end of the week.

In May, the federal government allowed the COVID-19 public health emergency status to expire. That meant the government would no longer be the sole supplier of vaccines and providers are now purchasing the vaccine from manufacturers on the commercial market.

ODH will continue to offer vaccine free of charge to eligible children through the federal Vaccine For Children (VFC) program.

For uninsured adults, the CDC has created the Bridge Access Program, which will be in effect throughout the end of 2024. The CDC has contracted with CVS, Walgreens and eTrue North Pharmacies to allow them to continue offering free vaccines to those without insurance.

Click here to find providers participating in this program.