Immunizations could cost over $100 a dose once government stops buying vaccine

Over the last few months, the Joplin area has seen a dramatic drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

Care areas in Joplin’s two hospitals set aside for COVID patients have closed down.

Now, the Pfizer corporations says it will charge $110 to $130 for a dose of its COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. government stops buying the shots.

But the drugmaker says it expects many people will continue receiving doses for free.

Pfizer executives say the commercial pricing for adult doses could start early next year, depending on when the U.S. government phases out its program.

They said it expects that people covered by private insurance or public programs like Medicare will pay nothing.

A spokesman said the company also has an income-based assistance program that helps those without coverage.