A last minute agreement between the Centers For Disease Control and the state of Texas means fewer people can receive vaccinations through local health departments.
Julie Anderson of the Brazos County Health Department says the new restrictions begins January 1st and affects an estimated 1,000 clients.
While the health department has an ample supply, starting January 1st immunizations can go only to those without any health insurance and children covered by Medicaid and the CHIP program.
Anderson says there are two exceptions. One involves flu immunizations since those vaccines were purchased with county money. And college students regardless of insurance can still receive a meningitis vaccination through the end of January.
Julie Anderson visits with WTAW’s Bill Oliver.
More details, courtesy of the Brazos County Health Department:
Vaccine Eligibility Policy Changes
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has developed eligibility policy changes to the adult safety net and childhood vaccine programs to be effective January 1, 2012. These changes are in response to reductions in funds for vaccine purchases, increased federal scrutiny and accountability for publicly-funded vaccines, and increases in prices for some vaccines. In response to the policy changes, Brazos County Health Department (BCHD) will implement the following eligibility changes:
1. Only uninsured adults 19 years and older can be vaccinated at BCHD. Vaccines are limited to Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and Tetanus.
2. Adults 19-29 years old can be vaccinated at BCHD for Meningitis through January 2012.
3. Children (18 years and younger) who have private insurance that cover vaccines will no longer be eligible to receive vaccines at BCHD.
4. Children who are uninsured or children who have Medicaid or CHIP are still eligible to receive vaccines at BCHD.
Because flu vaccine is purchased with local funds, it is still available at BCHD for anyone age 6 months and older for $20.