By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
In September, the Centers for Disease Control updated the federal guidelines, recommending that COVID vaccination for people ages 6 months and older be determined by “individual decision-making” through discussion with a healthcare provider, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. However, with many questions amongst the public, Northfield Hospital and Clinics (NH+C) is helping to clarify who should get vaccinated.
In a statement and guide sent by NH+C, they state that Medical leaders in pediatrics, obstetrics, and family medicine recommend COVID vaccination for pregnant people and for children aged 6 months and older.
For young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend the COVID vaccine for all children aged 6-23 months. Children younger than 2 years old are at the highest risk for severe COVID, according to AAP.
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AAP recommends vaccination for children ages 2-18 who have risk factors for COVID, including obesity, asthma, diabetes, cerebral palsy, and conditions that affect the immune system. AAP says the vaccine also should be available for all children ages 2-18 whose parent wants them to have COVID vaccine protection.
“Getting the COVID vaccine is the safest and most dependable way to build immunity and avoid serious illness,” AAP said in a statement. “Our immunity to COVID-19 decreases over time. That is why it is important for your family to stay up-to-date with COVID vaccines.”
AAP also updated its immunization schedule for children and adolescents. See AAP’s full Recommendations for kids’ vaccination for the respiratory virus season here.
For children, teens, and adults, Family Medicine leaders at AAFP recommend COVID vaccination for children and teens ages 2- 18. AAFP also recommends that all adults age 18+ get a COVID vaccine, especially those over age 65; or at increased risk for severe COVID infection, or have never received a COVID vaccine.
“We support ongoing immunization access for any family wanting to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” AAFP said in a statement.
For pregnant people, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends getting the COVID vaccine at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating. COVID vaccination reduces the severity of illness and pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, per ACOG.
“Infants continue to be hospitalized for COVID at higher rates than all age groups except adults 75 years and older, but vaccination during pregnancy can help protect infants against requiring hospitalization,” ACOG says.
ACOG continues to strongly recommend that all individuals who are or will be pregnant during influenza season get a flu vaccine as soon as it is available, during any trimester of pregnancy. The ACOG also recommends that during RSV season, pregnant people get an RSV vaccine to protect their infants after birth.
COVID, flu, and RSV vaccinations can all be given at the same time.
Overall, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends that all Minnesotans over 6 months old get COVID 19 vaccine if they want it. State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield praised vaccines:
“They are safe, they are effective, they prevent severe disease, they prevent hospitalizations. They can prevent deaths. Absolutely. And we want to ensure that they are available to Minnesotans.” – Dr. Ruth Lynfield, MDH Medical Director and State Epidemiologist, Audio Courtesy of the Minnesota News Network
Insurance coverage for vaccination
CDC’s new guidelines allow for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms including Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Health plans will continue to cover COVID and influenza vaccines through 2026, with no cost-sharing for patients, says AHIP, the national trade association representing the health insurance industry (formerly America's Health Insurance Plans).
MDH says the Minnesota Department of Commerce will work with health plans to ensure continued coverage for vaccines. MDH encourages individuals to call their insurance carrier to confirm coverage.
Vaccinations at Northfield Hospital:
Northfield Hospital and Clinics is set to begin vaccination on September 29th.
Call your clinic for a vaccination appointment. Vaccination is given by a nurse. You can get COVID and flu shots at the same time.NH+C says that If you wish to discuss vaccination, make an appointment with your provider.
For other options to get vaccinated, see MDH’s map and clinic listings: : https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/vaxfinder.html
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