A coronavirus vaccine may be months away, but Medicare is preparing to offer it

As the U.S. approaches nearly nine months of lockdowns, quarantines and national unease during the COVID-19 pandemic, many older people are trying to look ahead to next year, when case rates are down, businesses are open and restrictions are eased. But a true return to normalcy will require the wide availability of the coronavirus vaccine.

At the moment, no such vaccine exists, although there is a concerted effort to create one, test it, and ramp up its production on a scale that has not been seen since creating the flu or Polio vaccines generations ago.

For many seniors or people with pre-existing risk factors, this vaccine represents a literal lifeline, and will be imperative for them returning to society when restrictions are lifted. Medicare is dedicated to covering the full patient cost for the vaccine, ensuring that it can be widely used by older Americans from all walks of life to create a widespread immunity.

According to medicare.gov, when the vaccine becomes available it will be offered through both standard Medicare or any Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). If you have Medicare, the website will be your best source of information on how and where to receive the vaccine.

For those with Medicare Advantage plans, it’s best to consult your plan provider directly, as you may be able to receive the inoculation more quickly.

While the vaccine is being created and tested, Medicare and its related plans are doing everything they can to keep older Americans safe. The program is still dedicated to ensuring care for those who need it, although providers are operating with modifications to keep those at risk safe, ensure social distancing requirements, and make certain that those receiving care are well-protected via mask mandates and extensive sanitizing.

For example, it is recommended that every senior get the flu vaccine each year, but it is especially important this year, despite any restrictions that may be in place due to the pandemic. Flu and coronavirus are easy to catch, and can be very dangerous together. Medicare Part B covers flu vaccines 100% so long as your doctor or health provider accepts the plan.

Medicare.gov recommends that you get the flu shot as soon as possible. If your healthcare provider cannot offer the inoculation in a timely manner, check with your local pharmacy or even senior and community centers—many offer the vaccine at no cost.

Other inoculations available through Medicare plans include the shingles vaccine. Shingles,a painful rash related to chickenpox, is 10 times more common in people over 60, so getting inoculated as a Medicare recipient is a no-brainer to avoid discomfort.

Medicare Advantage plans also often cover the TDaP booster, which prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). While most receive this vaccine in childhood, having a booster will increase immunity and decrease the dangers of these diseases creating complications with coronavirus or other respiratory issues.

Regardless of when the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us and a vaccine is widely available, it’s as important as ever to maintain your health to maximize your well-being during these difficult times.

— Alan LaGuardia
Custom Publishing Writer