By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Freebie flu shots to end in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The state of Oklahoma is ending the practice of offering free flu shots at health department sites statewide.
The state will now charge $25 for the seasonal flu shot. The fee is projected to raise about $750,000.
Vaccine manager Dorothy Cox with the state Health Department says the state spent $1.5 million last year for 195,000 seasonal flu shots.
Immunization services chief Don Blose says the state still wants to be sure those who can't pay are not denied a vaccination. He says people on Medicare and without an HMO, on Medicaid or children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program will not be charged.
He says others may be eligible for a free vaccination based on their income.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com