Michigan Health Departments To Limit Free Childhood Immunizations to Uninsured, in Compliance with Federal Law

Michigan officials recently "reminded" local health departments that children whose health plans cover vaccines cannot receive free inoculations from local health departments, the Detroit Free Press reports. Traditionally, local health departments in Michigan have immunized all children free of charge, using discounted vaccines purchased from the federal government. Although federal law has long precluded children whose insurance covers vaccines from receiving free vaccinations from local health clinics, the law has largely gone unheeded in Michigan "in an attempt to immunize as many children as possible," the Free Press reports. But now state officials say the rule must be enforced to save money. "We have communicated much more clearly with local health departments that they cannot be providing the vaccines for people who are not the intended audience. ... We want to make sure that there is supply for the people the vaccine is intended for: uninsured children. And we do not have an unlimited amount of money to pay for it," Geralyn Lasher, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Community Health, said. The timing of the state's decision "couldn't be worse," the Free Press reports. In the wake of a national vaccine shortage, many private physicians have been referring children to local health departments for innoculations. In addition, a new state law beginning this fall will require a "vaccine review" for all sixth-graders, a move that is expected to force "thousands" of children to seek immunization updates this summer. State health officials recommend that parents make appointments now to ensure their children receive all necessary immunizations (Wendland-Bowyer/Askari, Detroit Free Press, 7/1).