LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Confusion about the availability of the latest COVID-19 vaccine is prompting viewers to contact Channel 13 with their concerns.
Over the past several days, we've worked to get answers to your questions. Here's what we've been able to find out.
This comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved new fall COVID-19 shots, but only for adults ages 65 and older and kids with at least one medical condition that puts them at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Last week, we learned concerns over a Nevada state statute led pharmacy providers to question their ability to administer the vaccine to patients in the Silver State. The state law in question was interpreted as barring pharmacists from giving Nevadans the new vaccine until it is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Since then, the state Board of Pharmacy tells us it issued guidance aimed at clearing up confusion. The Office of Gov. Joe Lombardo is also clarifying how the state law impacts vaccine distribution. On Monday, they sent us this statement:
"On Friday, September 5th, the Nevada Board of Pharmacy issued clarifying guidance on Nevada regulation that temporarily halted the distribution of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at retail pharmacies statewide. With this guidance in place, Nevadans can now receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine at retail pharmacies statewide, if they choose to do so, without a prescription.”
The CDC's vaccine advisory committee is expected to meet Sept. 18-19. Nevada's pharmacy board tells us its guidance could change based on the advisory committee's decision.
WATCH | Why the FDA's new COVID-19 shot guidance could make it harder for Americans to get boosters:
Initially, we were told clinics in the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) were still administering an older version of the COVID shot for those who were eligible, but per new information we received Thursday from the Health District, this is no longer the case.
SNHD told us Thursday they received updated guidance from the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases advising them that the new COVID shot is preferred over the old version. Therefore, the Health District is saying it will no longer offer the old version.
SNHD said they can administer the new COVID vaccine (once it's available) before ACIP meets, but the Health District "does not yet have" the new vaccine in its clinics.
The Health District also warns that some insurance coverage could change once the CDC committee sets its recommendations.