| S.C. Attorney General investigating flu shots price gouging
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state attorney general's office began investigating Thursday two allegations of flu vaccine price-gouging, just hours after it released a telephone number to report such ocurrances. With a nationwide flu vaccine shortage, hospitals around the country have reported distributors offering the vaccine for as much as $100 a shot. The retail cost of flu shots is usually $12 to $20. The two allegations involve doctor's offices in the Midlands, attorney general spokesman Trey Walker said. He would not identify the offices. "The allegations are that they paid what they feel to be an exhorbitant amount of money," Walker said. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson sent a letter to attorney generals of every state Thursday urging aggressive prosecution of vaccine price-gouging. Those who suspect price-gouging activity in South Carolina are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Office at 803-734-3970 or by email at infoscattorneygeneral.com
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