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Program offers vaccines for uninsured adults
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CopyA pilot program of the Wyoming Department of Health is offering free vaccines to Wyoming adults who do not have insurance coverage for immunizations.
"Many adults assume the vaccines they received as children are all they'll ever need," said Jan Bloom, immunization section chief with the Wyoming Department of Health. "But there are new options available these days that didn't exist when many people were growing up such as the vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus."
"Other important vaccines require boosters for effective protection," Bloom said. "As people age they may become more vulnerable to certain serious diseases that can be prevented with vaccines caused by common infections such as pneumonia. And there are some adults who may have never received childhood vaccines."
The program is for Wyoming adults between the ages of 19 and 64 and is being paid for by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Bloom encouraged eligible Wyoming residents to take advantage of the program. "Many of the vaccines this opportunity is allowing us to offer can be quite expensive," she said. Although there will be no charge for the vaccines through this program, some providers may charge small administration fees.
Individuals with healthcare insurance that covers immunizations, including EqualityCare (Medicaid), Medicare, Tricare or private coverage, do not qualify. Wyoming already provides free vaccines for children.
Bloom noted the pilot program is a temporary opportunity and may be discontinued without notice due to funding limitations. Program vaccines are only available from participating providers. A listing of participating providers will be available online at www.immunizewyoming.com or by calling 307-777-7952.
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© 2009 Basin Republican Rustler Basin, Wyoming. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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