HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-19-2008 - 4jORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 19, 2008
Action Agerlc~a „
Item No. ~L~____-~__
SUBJECT: New Fee for Adult Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccination
DEPARTMENT: Health Department PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S): None INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rosemary Summers, 245-2411
PURPOSE: To consider approving a new fee for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination for
adults.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) provides a variety of
vaccinations to adults and children. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is
typically provided to children as part of their routine childhood immunizations. Since North
Carolina is a universal vaccine provider, the State of North Carolina provides funding to
providers to ensure that all children receive required vaccinations. The State prohibits charging
for vaccine provided through this program. OCHD has provided adult MMR vaccinations
subsequent to an identified outbreak of measles or rubella; however there is no charge for this
because typically the state supplies the vaccine for prevention of further cases.
Historically the requirement was for one MMR vaccination. In recent years, a requirement of a
second dose of the vaccine components was implemented in certain situations. One of those
situations is health care providers who may interact with pregnant women. Exposure of the
unborn fetus to these diseases can cause serious effects. Adults who are providers of health
related services are now required to provide proof of either immunity or two MMR vaccinations
before providing services in a health care setting.
OCHD requires employees, contract staff, students, and volunteers. who have direct patient or
client contact on behalf of the Health Department to meet this clinical standard. This prevents
any inadvertent exposure to patients or clients from these three diseases, especially young
children that may not yet be vaccinated or pregnant women that could expose their unborn
child. OCHD has not previously provided this vaccination to adults for a fee; however, the
department has a number of volunteers and contractors, especially contract interpreters that
need a second vaccination before providing services for OCHD. Staff anticipates perhaps 15-
20 persons requiring or requesting this service. The vaccine costs are $48.00 per dose. A flat
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fee of $55 per vaccination covers the cost of the vaccine to OCHD, plus $7 for administration
costs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The $55 fee will cover the direct costs of the vaccine, materials, and a
small amount for staff time. Approximately 20 persons requesting this service would generate
$1,100 that would be used to defray vaccine cost and materials such as syringes, band aids,
and alcohol swabs.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the $55 fee for
MMR vaccinations and increase the Health Department budget to reflect the projected fees and
expenses.