Parents don’t need to worry about whether they can afford to vaccinate their kids, thanks to the free Vaccines for Children program.
Since 1994, the program has helped children get their recommended vaccinations against preventable diseases. It is available through Sanford Health family medicine and pediatric clinics.
The program is working to keep all children in the U.S. healthy by helping families learn about, trust, find and pay for vaccinations – especially families who may not know they qualify.
“Families and children who were privately insured previously may not know this program is available,” said Andrea Polkinghorn, Sanford Health immunization strategy leader. “Children stand to benefit from this program when their parents or caregivers do not have insurance.”
Who qualifies for Vaccines for Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sets who qualifies for the VFC program. Children 18 years old or younger who meet at least one of the following conditions are eligible:
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- Underinsured
Underinsured means that your child has health insurance, but the insurance policy:
- Doesn’t cover any vaccines
- Doesn’t cover certain recommended vaccines
- Does cover recommended vaccines but has a fixed dollar limit or cap for payment
Underinsured children are only eligible to receive vaccines at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) designated by Medicare and Medicaid programs. However, other locations – usually public health department clinics – may provide Vaccines for Children program vaccinations as agents of the FQHC/RHC.
Children are not eligible for the Vaccines for Children program if their health insurance covers the cost of vaccinations.
Possible fees to know about
Although there is no charge for VFC program vaccines, the law does allow your health care provider to charge what is called an “administration fee.” An administration fee is similar to a patient’s co-pay in that it helps providers offset their costs of doing business.
Types of fees a Vaccines for Children program provider can charge:
- A set or standard fee to administer each vaccine
- An office visit fee
- Fees for non-vaccine services that occur during a vaccination appointment, like an eye exam or a blood test
Health care providers cannot refuse to vaccinate your child if you are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee.
Catching up on vaccines
If a child is behind on their vaccine schedule, they can catch up on their routine vaccines through the VFC program. Parents and caregivers can call or visit their provider to discuss how their child can get caught up to schedule.
“The VFC program is federally funded and includes all the routinely recommended vaccines to each state,” Polkinghorn said. “So, every vaccine that is recommended — even those outside of school requirements — is available through the VFC program.”
More than 44,000 providers are enrolled in the Vaccines for Children program nationwide. Locally, Polkinghorn recommends contacting a nearby Sanford Health family medicine clinic or pediatric clinic regarding vaccinations.
You do not need to show proof of a child’s eligibility.
Find participating providers:
- Sanford Health vaccination providers
- Vaccines for Children information for parents, including locations nationwide
Learn more
- Vaccination FAQs and when kids need each shot
- Doctors, nurses sound the alarm as vaccination rates drop
- Vaccinations help older adults stay stronger for longer
…
Posted In Back to School, Children's, Immunizations
