RALEIGH (AP) -- The state wants to add five vaccines to a free program for North Carolina children, including the meningitis and cervical cancer vaccines.
The Division of Public Health needs about $36 million to make the vaccines part of the North Carolina Universal Childhood Vaccine Distribution Program. It offers all children access to free vaccines through private doctors and public clinics.
Officials say thousands of children may not be getting newer immunizations because they are not part of the program.
Some doctors are reluctant to offer the vaccines because they could lose money if insurers do not cover the entire cost, which ranges from $80 and $120 a dose retail.
A bill in the General Assembly would authorize the state to impose a new fee on health insurers.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
