The ANSI Federation and standardization community are stepping up with guidance, resources, and initiatives to support public health and safety and the nation's recovery. Suggestions for news items may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions are published at ANSI's discretion.
HHS Bridge Access Program Opens, Connecting the Underinsured and Uninsured with Vaccinations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the launch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Bridge Access Program, which provides continued free coverage for people who are uninsured and underinsured. The program serves to help the estimated 25-30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access to affordable COVID-19 vaccines once the distribution of vaccines transitioned to the commercial market.
Administered through the CDC, the program has two major components. First, it will provide support for the existing public sector vaccine safety net, which is implemented through local health departments and Health Resources and Services Administration-supported health centers. The program will also serve to create a novel, funded partnership with pharmacy chains that will enable them to continue offering free COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments to the uninsured through their network or retail locations as has been done during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“We have more tools than ever to protect against serious COVID-19 disease and death, but we must make sure everyone has equitable access to those tools,” said CDC director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “This CDC program provides free COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults at pharmacies, health centers, and health departments around the country.”
The program is temporary and scheduled to end in December 2024.
Access the CDC news announcement for more details.
CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Anyone Six Months and Older
The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this month, the updated vaccine targets the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.
“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said CDC director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.”
The agency reports that this is the first fall and winter virus season where vaccines are available for COVID-19, RSV, and flu, the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations. Last season, people who received a 2022-2023 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2022-2023 vaccine.
Access the latest information on updated COVID-19 vaccines on CDC’s COVID-19 page.
See more ANSI member efforts in the ANSI COVID-19 Resource Webpage Highlighting the Standardization Community’s Response.