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Ellis County approves $53,500 vaccine purchase as health department billing improves revenues
Summary
The commission approved a purchase order to complete 2025 vaccine purchases after the county ended a Vaxcare contract; county administrators said improved local billing raised revenues and the vaccination program is now net-positive for the county.
Ellis County commissioners approved a purchase order to finish vaccine purchases for 2025 after the health department transitioned away from a Vaxcare-managed model.
Health Director Melissa Miller said the purchase order will complete the year’s vaccine procurement following termination of the Vaxcare arrangement. "This will be the last purchase order to complete those charges," Miller said. County Administrator Darren Myers briefed commissioners on budget impacts, saying the county’s local billing and administrative changes have increased revenue: department revenue rose to about $173,000 this year, compared with roughly $107,000 previously, producing a net positive swing estimated near $100,000 to $120,000.
Myers said initial vaccine procurement earlier in the year had required a larger upfront outlay, and that the current purchase (about $53,500) should align expenses with improved billing revenue. Commissioners approved the purchase order 3–0.
Miller and Myers said vaccine supply has been reliable and the health department can accommodate uninsured residents through state-supplied flu vaccine allocations; the department continues to bill private insurance where appropriate and to accept walk-ins for routine vaccines.
