Talking Points from MDH: Updated (2023-24) COVID-19 Vaccine

Talking Points: Updated (2023-24) COVID-19 Vaccine
• Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains one of the best tools in our toolbox to fight COVID-19 and keep Minnesotans safe.
• The newly authorized, updated vaccines are an even more effective tool, targeting the variants we know are in our communities right now.
• Minnesotans who are eligible should contact their doctors or local pharmacists to schedule an appointment to receive this updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• To be considered up to date, everyone 6 months and older needs to get a least one dose of the new version of the vaccine once it becomes available, likely later this week.
o People 5 years and older are recommended to get a dose at least 2 months after any previous dose.
o There recommendations for children 6 months through 4 years of age are more complicated. Talk to your family's health care provider about what is needed based on previous doses received.
• The new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is particularly important for people 65 and older, those who are immunocompromised, have underlying medical conditions, pregnant people, and young children.
• Minnesotans should contact their doctors or local pharmacists to schedule an appointment to receive this updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• This updated vaccine is available through the commercial market, so supplies are no longer being purchased and distributed by the federal government. This means that there may be costs associated with this vaccine for some people.
o For people with health insurance, most plans will cover COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, but people may want to reach out to your health insurance provider for more information.
o People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from certain locations including local health centers; local or tribal health departments; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Go to vaccines.gov for sites participating in the Bridge program.
o Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.
• The end of the federal public health emergency last spring means fewer public resources are available nationally and in Minnesota to respond to COVID-19. MDH will continue to use those resources to ensure that we provide those at high risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes as much assistance in protecting themselves as possible and that we address continuing disparities in COVID- related health outcomes for vulnerable populations.