NORWAY — People planning to get their COVID-19 vaccination this fall will have to add some “patience” to the process, and maybe be prepared for little pain to the wallet as well as their arms.
Western MaineHealth has advised patients through its MaineHealth MyChart portal that supplies of the updated Pfizer vaccine are limited for now, and the Moderna vaccine is currently not available.
Due to shortages, WMH will not schedule appointments, or clinics, for people to receive their vaccination at the current time.
The message also suggests that patients with private insurance should verify that the vaccine is covered by their plan. The costs for those with no vaccination coverage no insurance or no Medicare break down as $160 for the shot and a provider’s administration fee of $50.
The vaccine is free for anyone 18 or younger, but those patients will see an administration fee of $21.58 per person.
The Maine Center for Disease Control’s website lists retail pharmacies as vaccination locations: Community Pharmacy, Hannaford, Walgreens, CVS, Shaw’s Osco and Walmart. Appointments need to be made in advance. Inquiries for scheduling are directed to the company’s website, but appointments may also be scheduled by calling the pharmacy’s general customer service number and transferring to the scheduling department.
The Advertiser Democrat reached out to Walgreen’s in Norway about scheduling and potential costs. The pharmacist on duty at the time said they have not experienced any issues in the store with insurance challenges. A call to the scheduling department revealed that, as of Tuesday, appointments are available a week or so from the date called, and that the vaccine available in Maine at this time is Pfizer.
The scheduling agent reached by phone did not require any insurance information in advance. She also confirmed that anyone over the age of three, who have been cleared by their doctor to receive the vaccine, are eligible.
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