ACIP expected to vote on COVID-19 recommendations in September

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new COVID-19 could be made available soon.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Tuesday, Sept. 12 and is expected to vote on recommendations for a monovalent vaccine.

Dr. Laura Morris -- MU Health Care physician -- said Missouri is seeing a late summer uptick in COVID-19 cases, but the number is still low.

The new vaccine will not be free, but Morris said it will be covered by most insurance companies, similar to the flu shot.

"Most people who interact with this will feel like their flu shot. And if you have free flu shots from your insurance, because your insurance wants you to be healthier, you're cheaper for them to insure if you're vaccinated, and they promote that.” Morris said. “And that same thing will hold in play with the COVID vaccine. We expect very broad and comprehensive coverage."

For those without insurance, Morris said there are programs to cover the cost of the vaccine.