ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The number of cases of hepatitis A across the state of Florida has surpassed 1,000 and the majority are reported in the Tampa Bay area.
The health department recommends getting vaccinated, but some 10News viewers say that's coming at a surprising cost—in some cases by as much as $75 per shot.
Ken and Genna Stafford of Hudson told 10News they found out the hard way. After waiting nearly two hours at the health department, they were told it would cost $49 per shot, out of pocket, even with Medicare.
Genna Stafford said she assumed it was free.
"Why do they not have some kind of information at the front desk stating if you are a senior and you have Medicare the vaccination for Hep A would be $49,” she questioned. “That would've saved us a lot of trouble, a lot of time, a lot of frustration."
The situation and the price varies by each county.
CITRUS
- $75.48 per dose for insured
- Free for low income, uninsured, “high risk” individuals
High-risk individuals can get a free vaccine every Monday, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the county’s Lecanto Office, 3700 W. Sovereign Path. No-cost vaccines are also every week through the county’s outreach efforts at homeless shelters, drug treatments facilities, etc.
No-cost vaccines for all will be available at a drive-thru clinic scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon June 22 at the county’s Lecanto Office. Anyone who receives a vaccine at the event will be given a date to come back in six months to get the second dose, also at no cost.
HERNANDO
- $58 per dose for insured paying cash
- Free for uninsured, anyone potentially exposed or considered “high risk”
HILLSBOROUGH
- $25 for insured
- The vaccine is free in most counties for low income, uninsured or "high risk" individuals, those who are drug users, homeless or might have been exposed directly to someone with Hep A.
MANATEE
- Maximum of $57 out-of-pocket for insured patients
Officials say there are various programs to help pay for shots. They say it’s best for patients to ask at the clinic and explain their situation. In addition, they add if you have insurance, it’s probably best to go to your physician.
PASCO
- $49 per dose for insured
- $15 for uninsured individuals
Individuals with insurance will be referred to their doctor or another location such as CVS or Walgreens to receive the shot. If they still choose to receive the shot at the department, they will be charged $49 per shot.
No free clinics are planned.
PINELLAS
- Free for everyone
The county has been offering vaccines at no cost since last fall.
POLK
- $55 per dose for insured
- Free for “high risk” individuals
SARASOTA
- $61.40 per dose for those without health insurance
- Free for “high risk” individuals
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