Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Available to Uninsured and Underinsured Residents

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LINCOLN—(News Release Oct. 4)—The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) on Monday announced a change to its vaccination process. Now, they will provide an updated COVID-19 vaccine solely to adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured, and children with Medicaid.

The change is based on the federal government’s transition of its COVID-19 vaccination program to a more traditional health care coverage and its discontinuation of free vaccines for all residents.

The updated vaccination process is as follows:

Adults and children who are uninsured or underinsured, and children age 18 and younger with Medicaid – The government still provides COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to these groups and is working with partners including local health departments. LLCHD has received vaccine shipments. Eligible individuals can receive updated COVID-19 vaccines at the Health Department by appointment only. Call 402-441-8065 to schedule a date and time.
Those who have health insurance, Medicare, or adults with Medicaid – The updated COVID-19 vaccine should be covered by most health plans, but residents must receive vaccine through a pharmacy or health care provider instead of LLCHD. Visit vaccines.gov to check pharmacy locations and availability.

“The Health Department serves as a safety net for members of our community who have limited health care coverage or none at all and helps ensure they have access to vaccine,” said Pat Lopez, Health Director. “Our reach expanded during the pandemic and we provided more than 250,000 doses of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines with assistance from partners. We’re now returning to a more traditional role, but if the situation changes, we stand ready to respond.”

The updated COVID-19 vaccine for this fall and winter is recommended for everyone ages six month and older at least two months after getting a dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information on COVID-19-related topics, visit covid19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the LLCHD at 402-441-8006.