Pfizer is planning to sell its BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 130 dollars per dose once the federal government stops purchasing COVID-19 vaccines. This came in an announcement from the drug maker in late last week.
The estimated price for Pfizer’s shot is in line with other adult vaccinations, such as for hepatitis and shingles, which can range from as little as $13 to more than $200, according to the CDC.
The price tag for the vaccine ranges from 10–130 dollars because that is the list price meaning patients that have Medicare or private insurance will be paying little to nothing for the vaccine. Many medical experts have been predicting the vaccine would cost around 100-dollar amount.
The shots will be packaged in a single-dose vial, the company said, rather than the multi-dose vials that have been used throughout the pandemic.
Once the federal government stops paying foe the vaccine most likely patients will have to get the vaccine at their in-network pharmacy or provider’s office or else it will not be covered treatment from their insurance company.
Since the start of the pandemic, the government has provided Americans with free COVID tests, vaccines and treatment, through a combination of funding from Congress and other government programs.
But officials have said that as the nation transitions out of the emergency phase of the pandemic and COVID supplies continue to diminish due to a lapse in funding, COVID prevention and care will need to move to the commercial market, most likely starting in the new year. The government has already stopped providing free COVID tests.
An advisory panel voted last week that children that are in need of the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get the vaccine through Medicaid or CHIP. Children that are underinsured will also be able to get the vaccine at no cost as well.
Pfizer said it also plans to provide free vaccines to people without insurance through its patient assistance program.
