Can you still get a COVID vaccine in Kansas City? It’s now more complicated
Getting a COVID shot in Kansas City in 2025 has gotten more complicated.
Under Donald Trump’s administration, pharmacy chains, insurance companies and government agencies caught in a web of conflicting guidance from federal health agencies and scientists.
Basic questions like “Am I eligible?”, “Where can I get the vaccine?” and “Will I have to pay for the shot?” are in flux as doctors, pharmacies and insurance companies await the meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on Sept. 18 and 19.
In 2025, federal officials ended some vaccine access policies, including the emergency use authorization. The Food and Drug Administration stated in August it only recommended the vaccine for people 65 and older and those with medical complications, including asthma, obesity and depression.
But some professional organizations still recommend healthy adults and children get the COVID vaccine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System, said he agrees with these organizations.
“These are recommendations made by experts who have reviewed the data, the science and understand that these vaccines do provide a benefit of helping reduce the chance of severe disease, even for otherwise healthy people,” Hawkinson said.
The current situation could change in mid-September when the CDC’s advisory committee meets. Any vaccines approved by the organization have to be covered by insurance at no additional cost.
In June, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the ACIP, the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, and added eight members, many of whom are skeptical of vaccines, The Guardian reported. In September, a leaked document showed Kennedy planned to appoint at least three more anti-vaccine members to the committee.
Learn how and why to get a COVID shot in the Kansas City area.
Where can I get the COVID vaccine?
You can go to your doctor’s office to get the vaccine. You can also check with local health departments or clinics.
On Sept. 5, the CVS and Walgreens websites say that they are offering updated COVID-19 vaccines in the Kansas City area. The Star was able to select appointment times on both pharmacy chains’ websites.
Some large retailers are not currently offering COVID-19 vaccines as of Sept. 5:
Who is eligible?
People who are 65 or older or have one or more of these conditions are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
These medical conditions increase a person’s chance of severe illness from COVID-19, CDC research shows.
The collection of conditions — which includes obesity, ADHD, diabetes and depression — encompasses many of the 342 million people in the United States.
Between 100 and 200 million Americans could be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine because of these conditions, according to a May study in the New England School of Medicine.
These medical conditions increase people’s chance of severe illness from COVID-19, CDC research shows. These include:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia or a neurologic condition
- Disabilities, including those affecting development, learning and mobility. Some examples of disabilities include ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, hearing loss and wheelchair use.
- Obesity
- Past or current smoking
- HIV or tuberculous infection
- Heart conditions
- Weakened immune system
- Pregnancy and recent pregnancy
- Mental health conditions, including depression
- Physical inactivity
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
Do I need to show documentation of an eligible condition to get the vaccine?
Hawkinson said it is not clear if people need to present a diagnosis to be eligible.
“If you’re coming to The University of Kansas Health System, you’re going to be seeing a physician or a medical team. They will already know your history.”
CVS’ online vaccine scheduling only asked if you had one of the conditions — it did not require documentation or even to disclose which condition or conditions you have.
Is there a new COVID vaccine for 2025?
Yes, there is a new one. In May, the FDA approved a new 2025-2026 formula of the COVID vaccine that more closely matches the viruses that are circulating now.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
For eligible people with health insurance, the COVID vaccine is likely free.
As of early September, many health insurance plans cover COVID-19 shots for those older than 65 years old or with certain eligible conditions. Call your insurance company or check your explanation of benefits to confirm your shot is covered and your provider is in-network.
Medicare’s website says it covers the 2024-2025 version, but does not mention the new version. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna say most of their plans cover preventative care, like vaccines, without paying out of pocket. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City pays for COVID vaccines given by in-network providers.
If you do not have health insurance, the COVID vaccine will cost approximately $200. People who get the vaccine even though they are not eligible might have to pay out of pocket.
Hawkinson said it makes sense from a business perspective for insurance companies to pay for vaccines. He said, “paying for a vaccine — $100, $200 — is going to be vastly cheaper for those insurance companies than if those patients are going to the hospital, going to the emergency department, being admitted, going to the ICU.”
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s advisory board, CNN reported. But the Kennedy-appointed ACIP has yet to evaluate the most recent COVID vaccine. Experts told CNN that it is unclear what would happen if ACIP guidance differs from the CDC’s recommendations.
Why should I get the COVID vaccine?
From his perspective as an infectious disease physician, Hawkinson suggests everyone, including young and healthy people, get the vaccine.
Hawkinson pointed to research which shows that even for otherwise healthy individuals, the vaccine can help prevent getting COVID, becoming seriously ill and contracting long COVID.
And there’s plenty of real-world evidence, he said.
“Now that the vaccine has been available for several years, we know that it is probably one of the most, if not the most, administered vaccine in the history of human civilization.”
What about kids and teens?
While the FDA only suggests COVID vaccines for children with the list of higher risk conditions listed above, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests more young people get it.
The professional organization “strongly recommends” COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 2 years. They also recommend vaccines for older kids who are immunocompromised or whose parents want them to get protection.
If a parent decides to get a COVID vaccine for their healthy child, they might have to pay.
Insured individuals who get the vaccine even though they are not eligible might have to pay out of pocket. In addition, because this is considered an “off the label” usage, some medical professionals might refuse to provide the vaccine.
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
