Franklin County’s public health clinic has started offering monthly injections of naltrexone, the extended-release shot better known by its brand name Vivitrol, at little or no cost to residents. The program is geared toward people who have finished detox and want a medication option to help prevent relapse, a group that often hits a wall when it comes to cost and access. Local health leaders say the move is a straightforward attempt to expand medication-assisted treatment in a county where specialty addiction services are not always easy to find.
According to a March 21, 2026 report from The Missourian, the Franklin County Health Department is now administering naltrexone injections for little to no cost to county residents through its clinic services. The outlet notes that the monthly injectable version, marketed as Vivitrol, is being offered in-house to cut down on both financial and logistical hurdles for people leaving detox programs.
How the shot works
Vivitrol is an extended-release form of naltrexone that is given as a single intramuscular injection about once every 28 days. It acts as an opioid antagonist, blocking the effects of opioids and helping reduce cravings. Manufacturer information and clinical guidance specify that patients must be opioid-free before starting the shot, typically for 7 to 14 days depending on the drug used, to avoid precipitated withdrawal and other risks. Treatment with Vivitrol is recommended as part of a broader recovery plan that includes counseling and ongoing support, according to the VIVITROL prescribing information.
Where to get it locally
The county health department runs a clinic in Union, where residents can find appointment details and clinic hours on the department’s official website if they are interested in services. Other treatment providers in Franklin County, including community behavioral health programs in Union, also list Vivitrol among their medication-assisted treatment options, which gives residents multiple local access points for the monthly shot. For information on scheduling, eligibility, and potential costs, the county’s health page offers the main clinic contact, and local providers outline Vivitrol alongside other available pharmacotherapies.
Why this matters
Offering low-cost access to monthly injectable naltrexone can help some people stay engaged in recovery by removing the extra steps of frequent pharmacy visits or regular copays. Clinicians emphasize that it is not a stand-alone solution and that it works best when paired with counseling and consistent follow-up care. Public health and clinical guidelines call for careful screening, confirmed detox completion, and monitoring for side effects, steps county staff say they will follow as they roll out the service. Residents looking for more details can contact the county health department directly and review available Vivitrol provider resources for additional guidance.
