News Releases > Immunizations still available to insured children and teens
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (July 7, 2011). – Children and teens who rely on the local health department for getting required vaccinations for school can still do so whether they are covered by insurance or not.
The Indiana State Department of Health announced Friday that children with health insurance can continue to receive free immunizations from local health departments through Jan. 1, 2012.
Earlier this year the agency issued new guidelines effective July 1 wherein health department officials would have to turn away children and teens with insurance coverage if they came in for immunizations or charge the parents for the vaccines out of pocket. But the state health department decided to delay the new policy to help local health departments with summertime, back-to-school immunization drives so children can meet school-entry requirements.
“This is very good news because it allows us to make sure all kids enrolled in school this fall can easily get their necessary immunizations,” said Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County Health Commissioner. “As this recent measles outbreak in northeast Indiana shows, vaccines are still our best defense against diseases which can cause serious illness and even death.”
Indiana receives $90 million annually from the federal government to provide free vaccinations to children who are Medicaid-eligible, underinsured or meet other requirements. The state has a supplemental fund of $11 million to cover vaccinations for underinsured children.
The policy now taking effect Jan. 1 is intended to reserve free vaccinations for patients without insurance or whose plans do not include immunizations, in accordance with federal guidelines for publicly funded vaccines.
The Department of Health’s Immunization Clinic is located at 4813 New Haven Ave. Parents can schedule an appointment by calling 260.449.7504. The Department charges an $8 administration fee per vaccination.
Children who need routine immunizations can also check with their doctor or visit a Super Shot location. Call 260.424.7468 for locations.
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