Make pertussis vaccine convenient and affordable
I read in the newspaper that Maricopa County is having a pertussis epidemic. I want to get vaccinated, but I've been getting the run-around by my insurance company (UnitedHealthcare) and the providers to which I've gone (Safeway Pharmacy, Mollen Clinic, and Walgreens). Safeway said UHC didn't cover vaccinations there and that the shot would be $60. Mollen said I was covered but still had to pay $63. Walgreens said I was covered and would have to pay $63 but would be reembursed later. This all sounds like nonsense. If this is what people who want to get vaccinated face, few people will get vaccinated and society will pay a higher cost in money for treatment, lost work time, suffering, and even lost lives.
Kevin Walsh
shared this idea
You bring up a great point and we are working to make it easier. Since the vaccination is relatively new, many physicians’ offices don’t carry it and pharmacies are not set up to bill for vaccinations. The Arizona Partnership for Immunization has put together a tip sheet to help people find vaccinations, but we are still brainstorming to make it easier for people like you. Thank you for working through so many options.