Health department reports increase in vaccinations

Sept. 30--WARRENSBURG -- Johnson County Community Health Services has seen "a dramatic increase" in vaccinations in September, Administrator Debbie Haller said.

Shannon Perez, public health nursing director, said the agency had administered 78 flu shots since Sept. 5, including five Thursday morning.

Haller told the health board that to date 95 doses of flu vaccine have been given, with the high-dose variety being the most popular. She said that type is recommended for people 65 years and older. The agency also has regular vaccine and nasal vaccine, she said.

The agency started the month with 50 doses of the high-dose vaccine and ran out. Additional doses arrived Wednesday, she said, with 12 administered the same day. She said the agency is considering ordering 50 more doses.

Some physicians' offices have not received any vaccine, Haller said, and are referring patients to health services.

Theresa Bell, home health and hospice director, said the agency has not started vaccinating home health patients, so an additional 50 doses will be needed.

Haller attributed the increase in vaccinations to the agency's partnership with VaxCare Inc., through which the agency can provide vaccinations to insured adults and children.

"We're pleased," Haller said, adding, "It's adding to time for front office staff."

Staff must do more due to insurance verification, but the agency prefers the ability to vaccinate people, she said.

"Maybe (we) will be back to being the immunization spot as community health has always been," Haller said.

Under new Centers for Disease Control guidelines, vaccine supplied by the federal government can be given only to Medicaid clients, uninsured individuals and native Americans, all under 18.

Health Services searched for options to provide vaccine to those not qualified for the federal vaccine and decided to contract with VaxCare Inc., which provides the vaccine, manages the inventory and bills insurance companies.

Vaccines cover all childhood immunizations, hepatitis, pneumonia, flu, tetanus, rotovirus, HPV and meningococcal.

No appointments are needed to receive the vaccine.

___

(c)2014 The Daily Star-Journal (Warrensburg, Mo.)

Visit The Daily Star-Journal (Warrensburg, Mo.) at www.dailystarjournal.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services