DENVER (KDVR) — People who want a COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado should now be able to get one.
The state had to make several moves to ensure access after the federal government made changes to vaccine guidance and required Coloradans to get a prescription from their doctor before pharmacies could administer the medicine to them.
The Colorado Pharmacy Board completed the last step the state needed to take by holding an emergency rulemaking meeting, approving rule revisions to allow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and interns to administer COVID-19 vaccines across the state for people who wish to get them. They also allowed pharmacists to weigh in on the revisions.
“What we’re doing here is removing barriers for people who want to get vaccinated, in this case, against COVID. It should be easy, should be quick, it should be low-cost, just like people do for flu. It’s up to you if you get the shot, but if you do, you shouldn’t have to go to a doctor’s office. You should be able to do it at your local Safeway or CVS as conveniently as possible,” Governor Jared Polis said about ensuring Coloradans have access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Earlier this week, the governor directed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to issue a public health order and a standing order to bypass the federal government’s move to make pharmacies in Colorado require prescriptions for most.
Though pharmacists and doctors will have access to the vaccines now, Dr. Ned Calonge, the state’s Chief Medical Officer at CDPHE, is urging Coloradans to be patient as the rule changes are implemented and stock arrives in the state. He is encouraging people to research their health insurance coverage in the meantime.
“About 30% of Coloradans have insurance that’s regulated by the federal government. They’re called ERISA plans or self-insured plans and the state can’t tell them what to pay for. If you want to make exactly sure that you will have your vaccine covered, you should check with your insurer before you go to the pharmacy,” Calogne said.
“Private insurance should be pretty seamless,” Calogne continued. “We’re still working on the reimbursement for Medicaid children, getting their COVID vaccine, in their healthcare provider’s offices. We’re actively working on how to address that. The payments for those vaccines are still tied to the CDC.”
The standing order goes into effect on Friday and should last until next September unless it gets rescinded before then.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
