ATTORNEY GENERAL LARRY LONG CAUTIONS SOUTH DAKOTANS ON THE PRICING OF FLU VACCINES 

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Larry Long announced today that consumers should be on the alert for possible price gouging by either distributors or providers of the flu vaccine. "Currently we have not had any complaints on price gouging in South Dakota," said Attorney General Long. "But other states are reporting such practices. With the flu season upon us and the nationwide shortage, the opportunity to defraud is present.” Last week Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline filed suit against Fort Lauderdale-based Meds-Stat, alleging that Med-Stats proposed to deliver and sell a vial of five doses of flu vaccine to a Kansas City, Kansas pharmacy for $900 with the knowledge that the vaccine was to be used in a “nursing home.” On October 1st, the price for the same vial was listed as $85. South Dakotans who suspect price gouging activity are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986. 

-30-