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If you're a parent get ready for changes when you get those back-to-school shots. Many area health departments are being forced to
charge or turn you awayif your insurance covers immunizations.

So right now to save money the state has put health departments on notice. It's going back to an old rule, which means instead of giving free shots to all children, those shots will only go to children who have no insurance, or to kids whose insurance doesn't cover vaccines.

We checked with area health departments about how they're going to handle the change.

In Detroit, they will offer one more round of free vaccines to insured families. After that, if your insurance covers immunizations, you'll be sent back to your private physician for shots.

Macomb County has decided to charge $8 per vaccine. Everyone can get immunized because they'll buy their vaccines from a non-state source, but they suggest that if you're insured you go to your private doctor.

In Washtenaw County they are also avoiding the state's mandate by buying a private stock of vaccines. But the health department will pick up the tab. That way, no child will be charged or turned away.

And there's still no decision from Oakland County.
Their health officer says they're hoping that legislators in Washington will come up with more money for vaccines.
 

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