After federal program ends, uninsured people could now pay hundreds of dollars for COVID-19 vaccine

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The newest COVID-19 vaccines are now available, but they are no longer free for people who do not have insurance after a federal program expired last month.

Pharmacists think the cost could have a big impact on the number of people that protect themselves against the virus.

The doses are not cheap: a couple hundred dollars per shot at some pharmacy chains.

Insurance will continue to cover them for most people, but millions of uninsured Americans will now have to pay.

Pharmacists worry they won't.

The CDC's Bridge Access Program covered the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for adults without insurance. But when federal funding was not renewed, the program ended last month.

26 million Americans are uninsured. In Wisconsin, more than 372,000 people do not have insurance.

If those people want to protect against the coronavirus, they'll now have to pay for the vaccine.

The vaccination will now cost $201.99 at CVS.

The CVS website encourages people to "Please check with your insurance plan for vaccine costs and if CVS is in network."

A Walgreens representative told us they're charging $196.99. They've been educating employees about the end of the bridge program and "We will continue to work with everyone who is eligible and wants a COVID-19 vaccine to determine the best and most cost-efficient way to receive one."

The price tag at major pharmacies could be prohibitive for many.

Randy Dawes, owner & pharmacist at Swan Serv-U Pharmacy in Wauwatosa, told us, "My guess is that the Health Department will fill some of those gaps. Or, my hope, how about that."

Dawes says it's still too early to tell how much of an impact the cost could have, but "I certainly know that's a real possibility. And at that point we'd have to address it. But it's just too new at this point."

The virus continues to adapt, and everybody responds differently.

The latest KP.2 omicron variant can be dangerous for the elderly, immunocompromised, or people with other health conditions.

Dawes said, "COVID is serious. It's still killing a lot of people. It's still hospitalizing a lot of people. Especially for the vulnerable."

Nearly 4,000 people died from COVID-19 in August 2024, the highest total in five months.

Last season, from September through May, an estimated 22.5% of adults and 14.4% of children were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

But Dawes acknowledges there is likely burnout after four years of a lingering pandemic.

He said, "There's been so much exposure to the general public from the virus. Either getting it or having vaccines. I think there's a bit of complacency."

No one from the Department of Public Health was available for an interview, but a spokesperson did say there are programs that can help with the cost.

Click here for information on the Vaccines for Children program and here for the Vaccines for Adults program.