Cost of Flu Shot

[NotDeadYet]

I received this in an email from WZEP News:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available at Walton County Health Department

"A vaccine is now available for the seasonal flu. The Walton County Health Department will be conducting walk-in clinics at its DeFuniak Springs facility located at 362 Highway 83, as well as its Santa Rosa Beach branch at 361 Greenway Trail. No appointment is necessary. Clinics will be open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning September 16 through October 14. The price for seasonal flu shots is $30. Pneumonia vaccinations, needed only once every five years, will also be available for $45.

Shirley "Kat" Chaney Sr. Health Educator, PIO with the Walton County Health Department says this vaccination is for the regular seasonal flu, not the H1N1 or swine flu. She says it does not protect against the H1N1 Swine Flu, which is a separate vaccine not yet available. Local health officials are working as a vaccination for the swine flu becomes available. The Health Department is also working with the school district in prevention and other measures."

I thought $30 seemed kind of expensive, so I went to the Publix and Walgreens internet sites. They will also have the flu shot available, for $25.

Anyone have any idea why it is more expensive at the county health department?

 

[scooterbug44]

I assume for the same reason that Publix etc. can offer some prescriptions for less than an independent pharmacy.

 

[beachmouse]

It's a loss leader for Publix &Walgreens to get you into the store just like discount milk or buy one-get one salad dressing is.

 

[Jdarg]

I thought the same thing- I remember paying $10 or $15 at Kroger. When we moved here, the shot was the entire $30 copay- our former doc office just charged $15 for the shot only- no office visit.

Found out today that the health department is $30 too- that is $120 to vaccinate my whole family- and flu shots are non-negotiable at our house. God knows what the swine flu vax will be- Merry Christmas family!

 

[DD]

We give them to our residents at the NH for no cost. This year, we're offering them to the public for $22.80--don't ask me how they came up with that price. If the "public" is a Medicare recipient, they will get it for no out of pocket cost. We're having the public clinic once a month for four months at the NH. Y'all are welcome to come to Texas and get stuck. You'll save at least $2.20.