Public Health Department no longer able to vaccinate insured individuals

Starting October 1, health departments around the country will start screening patients before giving vaccinations. Those with insurance coverage will be turned away.

“The [country] changed the policy as far as who we can vaccinate,” said Rhonda Kolberg, director of the Door County Public Health Department. “If a person has private insurance that covers immunization or vaccination, then they have to see their medical provider.”

Some funding was cut to Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act, which gave money to states to pay for vaccines that go to local health departments.

Patients without health insurance, or with health insurance that doesn’t cover vaccinations, can still go to the health department for vaccinations. Now, however, they have to make appointments so that employees can screen them for insurance coverage before they come in.

“This was a big change, especially for our county because the health department has historically given almost all the vaccines for the whole county,” said Kolberg. “The medical care providers have had to get up to speed on the whole immunization program, so they can provide this service to people.”

The Door County Health Department gave 413 immunizations in July this year, and 988 in August as children got the necessary vaccinations before the school year.

Megan Neuman, a pediatrician at Ministry North Shore Medical Clinic in Sturgeon Bay, said the change will make vaccinations easier for many families. Now when children come in for check-ups, they’ll get vaccinations at the same visit instead of having to go to the health department.

“I’m hoping it’s actually easier for families because they’ll have to do fewer visits,” Neuman said.

There are some exceptions to the new policy. Health departments can still vaccinate children under 18 for this season’s flu, and anyone for whooping cough. Adult flu vaccinations are available for $30, and the Hepatitis A vaccine is available for $25 per dose.