LEWISTON, IDAHO - A tight state budget that starts July 1 may change for some families the price of vaccinations for children. State-provided vaccinations for all children regardless of insurance status will end. Some health care providers, including Public Health Idaho North Central District, will bill medical insurance for families with coverage.
Families enrolled in Medicaid, those with no health insurance or health insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines, or families with children who are Alaska Native or Native American will continue to receive the state-provided vaccines through the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC).
State-provided vaccines typically cost families a small amount to cover the cost of administration. Public Health Idaho North Central District has charged $14 per vaccine.
Families with health insurance should check their coverage, deductibles and co-pays before taking their children for vaccinations. Parents must bring their insurance card with them as it is needed for billing.
The state has provided vaccines for all children since 1994. This year, the Legislature cut $2.8 million for vaccine purchases from the 2010 state budget, shifting some of the cost for vaccinations to insurers.
“Vaccinations are still one of the single most effective disease prevention measures in the history of public health,” said Kathy Forge, who coordinates Public Health Idaho North Central District’s immunization program. “This change may mean more out-of-pocket expense for some families, but it’s to keep their children healthy and free from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Vaccines have eliminated smallpox, polio and diphtheria in the United States and have nearly eliminated measles, mumps, tetanus, and whooping cough.
Idaho saves children’s immunization records in a registry called IRIS. Families can enroll their children in the free immunization registry at Public Health Idaho North Central District or at their doctor’s office. IRIS helps families stay current on their children’s needed immunizations and provides families with accurate records.
Appointments for immunizations at Public Health Idaho North Central District’s offices are available in:
- Nez Perce County (Lewiston): 208-799-3100
- Clearwater County (Orofino): 208-476-7850
- Idaho County (Grangeville): 208-983-2842
- Latah County (Moscow): 208-882-7506
- Lewis County (Kamiah): 208-935-2124