The City Cast Boise team has been riddled with COVID and other illnesses in the last couple weeks, and I know many of you can relate.
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially recommended a new COVID-19 booster. But since the federal health emergency has ended, cost coverage and free test programs have all evaporated within the last few months, so here are a few answers to questions you might have about where and how to test or get your booster shot.
Vaccine FAQ
- The CDC recommends the new booster (there’s one from Moderna and one from Pfizer) for anyone over the age of six months.
- Some insurance companies have changed their coverage this year, but most will still cover vaccines.
- Walgreens looks like it’ll have the first ones in town, with appointments available Monday.
- Boise State University’s vaccine clinic remains open to the public, and staff told me their fingers are crossed that the vaccines will arrive Sept. 23. Plus, they won’t charge anyone for the vaccine, including those without insurance.
- Albertsons pharmacies expect their doses to arrive in two weeks.
Testing FAQ
- As of June, you can no longer order free tests from the federal government.
- Some insurance companies have changed their coverage of testing this year, so check with your provider.
- Under federal guidelines, uninsured patients with COVID exposure and/or symptoms can get a free test.
