Morning Edition

Not sure what’s going on with vaccines? Ask your local pharmacist

covid vaccine box
Co-owner Marc Ost at Eric's Rx Shoppe holds a box of COVID-19 vaccines as he unpacks a shipment in Horsham, Pa., Sept. 2.
Matt Rourke | AP

A panel appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released new standards on Friday for acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine.

The new standards suggest that those who are 64 and younger, should have a conversation with their clinicians about the risks of the vaccine before receiving one. This is a stepdown from an initial, more controversial proposal of requiring a prescription to get a COVID-19 shot.

The biggest bit of confusion to come out of these shifts is whether the vaccine will be widely available, said University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy associate professor Ann Philbrick. She advised that people continue relying on their local pharmacists.

“Your local pharmacy is a trusted source to get your vaccine,” Philbrick said. And only your insurance company can tell you what it covers. “If you ever have a question as to whether or not your vaccine is going to be covered and with what co-pay, it would be a call to your insurance company.”

Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.