Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has played a central role in developing, manufacturing, buying, distributing, and ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and tests. As we move out of the acute phase of the pandemic response, we have been working with partners to plan the transition of vaccines and treatments to regular pathways for distribution and payment.
I am proud of the work we have done up to this point. COVID-19 vaccines have been made broadly available and more than 670 million doses have been administered so far. Moreover, nearly 53 million people have received a dose of the updated vaccine. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has also shipped more than 22 million COVID-19 therapeutics courses, including treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis, to facilities across the country and continues to make treatments available in communities nationwide.
We understand that as the federal government steps back from its central role in procurement and distribution, a smooth transition will be necessary to ensure continued access to these lifesaving countermeasures. We are working closely with industry and private sector partners to ensure that as COVID-19 vaccines and treatments move to the regular distribution systems they will be covered by private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Vaccines for Children Program, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This transition is likely to take place by early fall for vaccines and by the end of the year for treatments.
As these vaccines and treatments transition to the commercial market, we fully expect that industry will look to the example that the U.S. government has set by pricing these products at a reasonable rate and eliminating access hurdles for every American. Additionally, we expect that insurers will keep any out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays and deductibles, as low as possible for consumers.
To date, we have hosted a series of webinars and listening sessions with partners from patient and provider groups, advocacy organizations, manufacturers, distributors, and others to gather feedback from our partners on how we can support a smooth transition.
Today, HHS hosted a webinar with more than 1100 attendees from state, territorial, local, and tribal government agencies; health care providers and insurers; pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers; patient and at-risk community advocates; and more, to share information about the pathway to the commercial market for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. The meeting highlighted our ongoing commitment to maximizing availability to all Americans – including those who are uninsured and underinsured.
In keeping with this commitment, we are working with manufacturers to ensure that private-industry sponsored Patient Assistance Programs that provide free access to these products are easy to use and broadly accessible. HHS also continues to invest in health systems and programs that support vaccine access and outreach in underserved communities – such as Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and state and local health departments.
The meeting today was part of the larger effort to facilitate a transparent and equitable shift to the commercial market for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. We are grateful for the work that all of our partners do every day to protect the health of the American people and for their collaboration throughout this transition.
To learn more, please see the COVID-19 Medical Countermeasures Commercialization: Frequently Asked Questions.
