A family from Vietnam living in the US has been left shocked and outraged after receiving a bill for $2,532 for measles vaccinations for their four-year-old son. The family had believed that as residents of a developed country, they would be entitled to free or low-cost vaccinations.
Thang Nguyen, a public health researcher, took his son Anh Hoang to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston for vaccination against measles and whooping cough. He was assured by staff that the shots were free. However, when a bill arrived for $2,532, including $1,400 for the measles vaccine, Nguyen was left stunned.
Nguyen’s experience highlights concerns about the cost of vaccinations and their impact on public health. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles vaccine, with the first administered between 12 and 15 months and the second between four and six years old. However, in some cases, inoculation claims can fall through the cracks and patients end up with hefty bills.
The family’s story is not an isolated incident. Measles vaccination uptake has declined in many parts of the US, with eight out of ten counties experiencing a decline last year. The disease is particularly dangerous for children under 5 years old, with one in five unvaccinated children being hospitalized and one in 20 developing pneumonia.
The high cost of vaccinations can be a barrier to getting vaccinated, leading some individuals to forgo necessary shots. Nguyen fears that this may further fuel the current measles outbreak in Texas, where officials have urged people to be vigilant for new cases.
In response to the family’s concerns, the hospital has waived the vaccination fees for all family members, but is still charging administrative fees. The family will pay off the remaining balance slowly via a plan.
The incident raises questions about the affordability of vaccinations and the need for better support systems in place to ensure that individuals can access necessary healthcare without facing financial burdens.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14868281/measles-vaccine-son-letter.html