Yahoo! News - U.S. Asks States to Probe Flu Vaccine Pricing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health officials urged states on Thursday to investigate reports of price gouging by companies distributing scarce supplies of influenza vaccine and to prosecute offenders.

"It is extremely disturbing to learn of reports of price gouging by immoral individuals looking to make a quick buck off a public health challenge," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said in a statement.

"I am encouraging the attorney general of each state to thoroughly investigate reports of price gouging and prosecute those engaging in this immoral and illegal activity to the full extent of the law," he said.

Here in Michigan, it is now a crime to give a shot to those not considered "high risk". I guess I don't understand all the hoopla surrounding this- is the "media" driving up demand by making this such a huge story? I don't remember getting flu shots when I was a kid- is it really that big of a deal?