State Health Department to Charge for Flu Shots

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- For the first time in the agency's history, the Oklahoma State Department of Health will charge for flu shots this year.

Citizens who do not qualify for free shots will be charged $25 for their influenza immunization. The change is being blamed on the state's budget woes.

Depending on income and age, some Oklahomans will still be able to receive the shots for free.

"It's really the customers that have private insurance that we're really interested in charging. They've been able to come to the health department, folks who have insurance, and get it for free. Now it's going to be different," said Don Blose, State Chief of Immunization Services.

The good news this year, one flu shot will take care of all three strains of the virus including the H1N1. It's also being recommended this year that everyone over the age of 6 months get their shot as soon as possible.

The state expects to begin immunizations at the beginning of October. Some drug stores are already offering the shots.

By charging, the state is projecting the fees for the flu shots will bring in around $750,000.

Those who will qualify for the free flu shots include:

• Families living under the poverty level
• Children qualifying for the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program
• Any adult on Medicaid
• Adults 65 years and older, who are on Medicare and do not belong to an HMO