PARKERSBURG — Access to the COVID-19 vaccine may be changing soon in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the new Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices eight-member panel he appointed earlier this year are in the process of reshaping vaccine recommendations and requirements.

In a social media post from Kennedy on June 11, he said he retired all 17 members on the ACIP and replaced them with eight new members that included scientists, public health experts and physicians. Kennedy announced the names and details of the new members and said their first meeting was scheduled for June 25.

According to the CDC, the ACIP includes up to 19 voting members who make vaccine recommendations which are then used by the CDC for guidelines.

In an Aug. 27 social media post from Kennedy, he said “the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now issued marketing authorization for those at higher risk: Moderna (6+ months), Pfizer (5+), and Novavax (12+). These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”

COVID vaccinations from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax were all approved by the FDA for seniors 65 and up. The age requirements vary between vaccines and for those with underlying health conditions.

The Moderna NEXSPIKE vaccine is approved only for those 12 through 64 years who have high risk health conditions. Similarly, SPIKEVAX by Moderna is recommended for high risk individuals 6 months through 64 years.

Pfizer’s COMIRNATY is authorized for 5 to 64 years with at least one underlying health condition. Novavax’s Nuvaxovid is approved for ages 12 to 64 who are at high risk for severe outcomes of COVID.

Further information on the Pfizer website said, “Our site is being updated to reflect the latest FDA/CDC information on recently approved COVID-19 vaccines and appointment availability. Consult your doctor or pharmacists for the latest information.”

According to The Associated Press, the panel is expected to meet this month and release updated recommendations.

So what does this mean locally?

After the ACIP recommendations were released at the end of August, health departments and vaccination sites are awaiting further instruction.

For those who aren’t at high risk under the age of 64, the vaccine may require doctor’s approval prior to receiving a COVID vaccination.

Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department Public Information Officer Amy Phelps said they’re currently awaiting further instructions from the CDC and the ACIP.

No further information has been released from Memorial Health Systems as health care providers await CDC guidelines.

The CDC COVID vaccines recommendations were last updated on June 6.