County may assume new vaccination costs

NORWICH – Chenango County’s annual vaccination program could remain mostly intact, as officials recently described plans for a sliding fee schedule for some shots and budgeting plans for core immunizations.

From January through June, the Chenango County Department of Public Health administered 636 vaccines at a local cost of $27,000. But, with a new, state level regulation that limits free vaccines for adults, officials expect the cost to double next year.

A committee report from the DPH last month suggested charging fees for vaccines in order to absorb the increased cost. However, the Health and Human Services committee encouraged the health department to devise a plan for continuing some vaccinations on a sliding fee scale instead.

Under the revised plan – which is yet to be approved by the county’s board – flu and pneumonia shots would remain free for county employees and residents. Most of the approximately 20 other vaccines available via Public Health Clinics will also be free to those 19 years old and older, except the shingles and cervical cancer vaccines. A $160 charge will be assessed for the shingles vaccine for everyone, based on the vaccine’s availability. The cervical cancer vaccine will be assessed and charged based on a sliding fee scale. It will be given free to everyone under 19 years of age.