Disruptions to national vaccine recommendations under Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr. are starting to reverberate across Massachusetts, threatening the state’saccess to COVID shots just as the annual season for respiratory viruses — and vaccines toprotect against them — approaches.
Federal approval for flu and RSV shots was granted only in the last few days, weeks later than is typical, and health officials are still waiting to learn whether the Trump administration will recommend any vaccinations for COVID. Insurers rely on that guidance to decide what doses they will cover.Now, not knowing whether they’ll be reimbursed, local health providers have held off ordering vaccines for the fall period when people traditionally consider getting their annual shots.
“We’re really seriously considering not doing COVID vaccines this year,” said Laura Kittross, public health program manager for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, which coordinates with 18 Western Massachusetts municipalities.