Monday, July 01, 2024

ABLE SC, Changes to Bridge Access Program

 

 
 
Banner with blue, green, and yellow shapes in the background. Includes up close photo of a person with dark skin having a bandaid placed on their arm by someone in blue medical gloves. On the left is the Able SC logo. Text reads, 'Changes to the Bridge Access Program, Schedule your vaccine today! Program ends August, 2024.'

Changes Coming Soon to the COVID-19 Vaccine Bridge Access Program 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will end its Bridge Access Program for free COVID-19 vaccines earlier than originally planned. Launched in September 2023, the Bridge Access Program provided access to free COVID-19 vaccines for adults who either did not have health insurance or were underinsured. This program was expected to end on December 31, 2024. However, due to changes in federal funding for COVID-19 response, the Bridge Access Program is now expected to end in August 2024. An exact date for the end of this program has not yet been provided. 

 Through the Bridge Access Program, an estimated 1.4 million free COVID-19 vaccines have been provided since September 2023 (Weixel, 2024. Cuevas, 2024). If you have not yet received an Updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine and you need help paying for it, now is the time to go! Visit Vaccines.gov to search for a vaccine provider near you.

A Black man with an 'I'm vaccinated' button, smiling outside.

John Willis, Disability Vaccine Access Leader at Able SC

Use the search tool to find providers that are also taking part in the Bridge Access Program by doing the following: 

  • Enter your 5-digit zip code in the search feature. 

  • Select at least one vaccine type to get started. (Example Pfizer/Moderna people 12 and older). 

  • When you get the results, you can narrow your search even more. You can filter the results by the ability to vaccinate children under a certain age, or whether a particular vaccine brand is currently in stock. 

  • You can also select the option to only search for participation in the Bridge Access Program. 

  • Use the contact information provided to schedule your appointment. 

If you are seeking a vaccine for a person 18 years or younger, visit the CDC’s About The Vaccines For Children page.  

Vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself and your community against COVID-19, and cost should not have to be a barrier. Able SC remains dedicated to supporting vaccine access for people with disabilities and we will continue to provide updates on vaccine access programs. 

Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Check out the South Carolina Disability Vaccine Access Network's Frequently asked questions or call our hotline at 1-800-787-6046.

Diverse group of disabled people pose with a banner that reads, 'protect your community, secure your shot!'

Contact Us

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121
advocacy@able-sc.org

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References: 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024, May 10). Bridge Access Program” 

  1. Weixel, N (2024, May 17). “ CDC to end free COVID vaccine program for uninsured early “ The Hill. 

  1. Cuevas, E (2024, May 22). “Free COVID-19 vaccines could be a thing of the past. Experts weigh in. “USA Today.  

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