Tobacco tax to pay for more free flu shots this fall

The shots will be paid for with proceeds from the recent increase in the tobacco tax, and the goal is to immunize every adult and child in the state, according to a statement from Sandra L. Snow, MD, the Department of Health’s medical director of communicable disease/immunizations.

Adults will be able to get flu shots during mass flu clinics that will be held in each county. To make sure as many children are vaccinated as possible, health department officials will work with public schools to provide a free vaccine to any child who would like one. Parents and siblings may also be included in this program.

The health department hasn’t set details yet of when and where it will distribute the vaccine, but flu vaccination typically begins in October or November.