THE STATE’S decision to cut the number of free flu vaccines offered this year by half is short-sighted to an extreme. The total economic cost of influenza every year in the United States is $87.1 billion, with billions in lost productivity in Massachusetts. Cutting vaccinations would only add to those losses - all to save about $1 million.
The arguments advanced by the state to justify this savings - which is spurred by a similarly misguided cut in federal aid for vaccines - is that most people do not need free vaccinations because they already have health insurance coverage. This is true, but still leaves some without coverage for flu shots. Further, hesitancy to go to a doctor - not to mention the hassle involved with making an appointment - means even many people with coverage don’t get vaccinated.
