State says insured NC kids must pay for vaccines

    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina will no longer cover the cost of 11 childhood vaccines for families with insurance as part of an effort to help pay for vaccines for uninsured children.
    WRAL-TV reported Friday that the change will go into effect on December 1 and will apply to vaccines including combination shots, Hepatitis A and the second dose of the chicken pox shot. The vaccines can cost more than $100 each.
    Officials say the change will save about $4 million for the state’s $18-million immunization program.
    The state health director says families with financial resources are being asked to contribute more during the recession.
    Native American children and those eligible for Medicaid will continue to receive free vaccines.
   
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    Information from: WRAL-TV, http://www.wral.com
   
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