Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to Cover Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids 5-11 at No Cost to Members

BOSTON, Oct. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) today confirmed it will cover, with no cost share to members, the administration of Pfizer/BioNTech's Comirnaty® COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11, pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. Comirnaty®, which is currently the only one of the three available COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. to request emergency use authorization for use in young children, was fully approved by the FDA in August.

Blue Cross previously announced no-cost coverage for vaccines administered in other age groups and for approved third-dose booster shots.

The federal government has purchased the vaccines, which are being distributed free of charge, but clinicians and pharmacies can bill insurers for administration costs. Medicare covers vaccine administration for Medicare Advantage and Medex members when administered by any clinician who accepts Medicare.

"Vaccines have proven to be safe, effective and the best tools we have to protect us against COVID-19," said Dr. Sandhya Rao, chief medical officer at Blue Cross. "We're dedicated to making it easier for our members to get vaccinated and to continuing our support of widespread vaccination in our communities."

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, equitable and affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts