Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has played a central role in developing, manufacturing, buying, distributing, and ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and tests. As we move out of the acute phase of the pandemic response, we have been working with partners to plan the transition of vaccines and treatments to regular pathways for distribution and payment.
We understand that as the federal government steps back from its central role in procurement and distribution, a smooth transition will be necessary to ensure continued access to these lifesaving countermeasures. We are working closely with industry and private sector partners to ensure that as COVID-19 vaccines and treatments move to the regular distribution systems they will be covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Vaccines for Children Program, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This transition is likely to take place by early fall for vaccines and by the end of the year for treatments.
Read the full blog post from the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dawn O’Connell.